10 horse won't idle

[Freeman79]

Hey guys, I just got my 62 10 horse Johnson to crank, and it seems to run pretty smooth, but it's running realing rich no matter how i adjust either needle. The float was set level to the bowl (held upside down). It also won't idle and doesn't seem to have the rpms at full throttle. Any ideas?

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 10 horse won't idle

Make sure that both the high speed and idle needles have decent packing washers. You should use two washers per needle. Are the needles in decent shape also? Try turning your low speed needle in either direction gradually( as in like 10 to 12 - not too much) and allow about 15 seconds for a response. If its the adjustments you'll notice the change and you'll be able to reach the 'sweet spot.' As for the high speed; it sounds like the high speed needle is out of adjustment. Run the motor (preferably on a boat) and gradually open the high speed needle and see what you get. I'm not an expert but I've been where you are many times. It could be something completely different but this is what I would do.

 

[JB]

Re: 10 horse won't idle

Also, look for blockage of the inlet needle.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 10 horse won't idle

HI freeman. In addition to thurougly cleaning/rebuilding the carb you may also want to check the spark. The fact that it idles poorly and running rich means you may only be running on one cylinder. Here's a great link that can walk you through a tune from top to bottom. You can get any routine parts you may need right here at iboats.

Johnson
1962 Johnson QD-23 10 hp Outboard Motor Parts

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 10 horse won't idle

Rear Admiral Kfa gave you some good advice and something I forgot to mention. Many of these two cylinder motors will run what seems nicely on one cylinder until you try to idle or hit top speed. I've limped home on one cylinder and they will run. When it's running pull the plug wires one at time. If you have a 'dead' cylinder you won't notice any difference in the running when you pull the wire to that cylinder.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 10 horse won't idle

yeah, it's amazing how well these old motors will run on one cylinder. many folks have limped home thanks to it.

 

[Freeman79]

Re: 10 horse won't idle

Thanks guys, I'll do some testing and let you know.

 

[Freeman79]

Re: 10 horse won't idle

Thanks for the link!