‘06 Johnson 90HP Saltwater Won’t Crank

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EngineNoWork

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Jul 2, 2023
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I have an ‘06 Johnson 90HP Saltwater. Model J90PLSDM. The short story is that it won’t start. Tries to turn over but never catches.

Here’s what I know:
1. Water got into the fuel tank when it was removed for a floor replacement over the winter. “Bad” fuel was pumped out. New fuel water separator was installed.

2. After that, it did run for about 3 minutes and then died and wouldn’t start again

3. If you spray starter fluid into all 4 carbs, it will try to run but as soon as that ether burns off, it dies again

4. Spark plugs are fine

I have very little experience with engines, so if you have any ideas where to start, I’m all ears! Thanks!
 
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racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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Did you flush the carburetors ?----Are you pushing the key in and holding it in while cranking it over ?
 
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brodmann

Chief Petty Officer
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Jun 17, 2008
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426
Easiest thing to do is remove the drain plugs and pump the primer bulb a few times until clean/ clear fuel comes out. Shouldn't have to remove the carbs to do that.
 
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racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" or more on each lead ?-----How did this motor run for you last season ?----Lanyard switch in the correct position ?
 
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EngineNoWork

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No idea on the spark gap. I’ve never touched the plugs other than to test that they’re good. The motor ran fine all last season. Yes, safety switch seems to be ok
 
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racerone

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Do you have spark that jumps a gap of 3/8" or more on each lead , yes or no ?----Sparkplugs are not involved in that test.------Nobody can see , hear or feel your motor.----Up to you to answer questions / provide information.----That is how this might come to a positive result.
 
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EngineNoWork

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racerone said:
Do you have spark that jumps a gap of 3/8" or more on each lead , yes or no ?----Sparkplugs are not involved in that test.------Nobody can see , hear or feel your motor.----Up to you to answer questions / provide information.----That is how this might come to a positive result.
Click to expand...

I have no idea if there’s a spark that jumps a 3/8” gap. I don’t know what that means or how to test that. Also, I live 45 minutes from where my boat is docked at a friend’s house. I’m trying to gather as much information on possible causes before I go back there on the 6th to keep trying to figure it out. I appreciate the help so far, but please understand that I’m a rookie when it comes to engines. I’ll do my best to provide as much info as I can
 
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Crosbyman

Vice Admiral
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Nov 5, 2006
Messages
5,783
it is a simple process of determining if the spark can jump across an air gap of 3/8"...using this tool allows you to do that when insaled between the plug boot and the clip on ground (engine frame)


you can do the same with 2 nails on a piece of wood 3/8" apart one is wired to engine frame the other to the plug boot !


you can break the ground post on a plug and at least the spark should still jump to the edge of the grounded ! plug
 
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