1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

[medal]

I,ve just rebuilt my first outboard.It runs for a max of 20 seconds if I mess about with the choke settings.My hands are blistered with pulling the cord.Any help would be greatfully received .<br /> regards Eddie.

 

[almost retired again]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Hello eddic,<br />First a few questions,are you getting fuel to the carb.? Have you got good fire to both plugs? Last but not least what's your compression?<br />If you answer these questions I'm sure either myself, or someone else can help you.

 

[medal]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Hi,capn Mike .Thanks for your prompt reply.<br />Its nearly midnight now in this part of the world so I will try your recomendations tomorrow.<br />p.s. Anybody can buy a new engine. The pleasure is in restoring something which might have been pushing boats around somewhere in the world before I could spell the word "engine".<br /> Regards Eddie.

 

[small block]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

amen eddiec!!!!!!!!

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

You could: 1) re-check the spark (it's probably working since it runs for a while, but check it anyway); 2) It's probably fuel supply related: check the carb and fuel line. Chances are good fuel's getting into the carb initially, but not enough to keep it running. Did you completly flush all lines? Carb kit assembled correctly? Choke working? (If it's flooded, the choke is working too well...if not, it's the carborator). Or, 3) tie a rope to it and use it as an anchor. The motor is 38 years old and is twice as heavy as a newer 3 hp.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Hi Eddie,<br /> I was well into my 20s before I ever owned an outboard built in my lifetime. <br /> A couple of things to check - those threes have to have absolutely spotless fuel systems. The gravity feed doesn't have a lot of push to get fuel into the tank through those small copper lines. <br /> Also, I think there's a ceramic filter in the tank, attached to the brass fitting that is threaded into the base of the tank. Those filters are easily plugged with gum/gunk. Might be able to soak it in a solvent and blow it out with compressed air...<br />Scott<br />By the way - I went to Inverness (Lake? Loch?) when I was 10 - great area those Highlands...

 

[DJ]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

eddiec,<br /><br />Ditto, Chinewalker. The fuel system has to be clean. The Lightwins will, put up with allot of garbage over time, however, if you change anything they need clean fuel.<br /><br />Usually the Lightwin 3's act as if they are starving for fuel when they actually are getting too much.<br /><br />My experience has been that the cork fuel floats were troublesome (after 40 years) and the needle and seat would be worn after running this garbage fuel we have to deal with today.<br /><br />Nothing personal against the fuel, it's just that the EPA (gov't) got involved.<br /><br />Your 3 will run on 87 and love it. Just go through the carb. and spend the extra $$$ for a float that will withstand todays fuels. It will run another 40 years-with care.<br /><br />If you have the means to pull the flywheel off-do so. Spend a few $$ on coils. points, condensers. It will run forever if you take care of it.<br /><br />Don't forget about the bottom end.<br /><br />All in all, you can put $100.00 in this engine and it will rival a new one at $800.00-$1,000.00.

 

[sirlespat]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

One of the quick checks I do on a twostroke is put a tiny bit of fuel in the cylinder via the spark plug.If the motor starts it will run on this for several seconds. I think because the crancase hold a resevoir of combustion mix. It really sounds like fuel. You crank till you get enough fuel in there but when the engine runs it starves. i think closing the choke increases vacume in the carb sucking fuel in harder. i have a motor like yours. It wont run with the choke active, as soon as it fires you have to release the choke. I like this era of motor they are so bullet proofwill overhaul it with a kit from here soon http://www.maxrules.com/fixtuneitup.html <br />Badly gummed up carbs take a lot of cleaning.<br />Keep trying

 

[CAPTBLACKSMARINE]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

DO YOU STILL HAVE THE METAL SCREEN IN FRONT OF THE CARB ? I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OF THESE ENGINES WHERE IT HAS BEEN LEFT OUT OR LOST AND MOST TECH'S THOUGHT IT WAS USELESS. IT IS NOT USELESS IT IS VITAL TO GETTING THE RIGHT PRESSURE ON THE FUEL FOR IT TO BE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE.

 

[derwood]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Hey Bud,<br /> I have an older light twin. It dose sound like a fuel thing. If it has fuel vents on the gas tank cap or where ever they are make sure that they are not plugged up or it WILL run and stop over and over again. Mine did just that very thing and drove me nuts. If you have a old briggs and stratten lawnmowwer engin some of the parts in the carb ( plastic float ) will work. If it has the same type of carb mine dose. If you can leave the gas hooked and get to the flywheel nut you can grind a 3/8 short socket ext. and grind it to fit a larger drill. then find a socket to fit. It will help those blisters feel better for darn sure. follow evrybodys advice as they have helped me for sure. hey djohns & allen.

 

[medal]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Regards to :- AlmostRetiredAgain,Chinewalker,Djohns19,Sirlespat,Captblacksmarine and Derwood.<br />Commiserations to :- Small Block (who obviously speaks another language)<br /><br />I was overwhelmed by the response to my plea for help. All good positive advice. One piece of helpfull information can save needless hours of work. I thought I had stipped every nut and bolt of the engine down. I had no idea that ther was a filter inside the tank or that there should be a grill in front of the carb. I am sure that with a process of elimination and the information and advice you have offered I will have it up and running soon.<br /> Thanks for all your help so far.<br /> Regards Eddie.

 

[Rex_Wahl]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Eddiec,<br /><br />I have the same engine, year and all. the others are right, sounds like fuel flow. I recently found that the fuel filler cap was corroded inside, you might check the small holes that go through the cap and vent the gas tank. They are closed by a small threaded screw on top of the filler cap with a rubber gasket. Vents must be open (unscrew small knob on filler cap, about 1-2 turns) to run. Vent holes are less than 1/16 in., can be cleaned with small wire or drill bit. Boil filler cap (aluminum) in vinegar to get rid of white corrosion.<br /><br />Mine starts with choke, but the choke must be turned off once it runs (its warm in AZ!). The lean valve (a needle valve with a red lever) on the front of the cowl likes to be near lean on mine (all the way clockwise-closes a needle valve).<br /><br />Agreed, clean carb. and fuel lines should help.<br /><br />Recently ran mine for three days of fishing, worked every time, despite my neglect!<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Mikael-Block]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

I have a 3hp from 1964 ...<br />It not running yet...<br />Does anybody have good pictures ?..<br />My engine miss the lover cover, and I have no idea of how it looks.<br />It allso have very bad coils.<br />Mikael Block

 

[DUTARID]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Hi Eddiec, I just rebuilt a 3Hp 1964 Johnson - it would run for 3 minutes and stop when I bought it. I am not a mechanic but enjoy taking things apart. For $300 Canadian Dollars I changed the following, coils, points, condensor, impellor, it was missing the water pick up tube, even changed the recoil spring , a new carb kit, and all the gasket, the clyinders honed slightly and got new rings - its good as new - it weighs 30lbs without fuel and the new model 2002 weighs 28lb please do not use it as an anchor. I now have to check about the metal screen in front of the carb.You can get the service manual form your local library.<br /> good luck.

 

[Allan19603hp]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

Mike,<br /> I can get you going I have lots of schematics and books for this motor I have 2 of these that I run every min of the summer actually 1 runs and the other one just looks pretty but it runs. You need that little screen on the front of the carb. I can fix you up with NEW coils and A full ignition kit as well as most other parts for this motor. Let me know if you are interested and I will get you as much help as possible. you can contact me via e-mail at gra6961@usa.net or on AOL IM at agray11. I hope this helps and let me know what I can do for you..<br /><br />these motors are worth saving.

 

[seamonnadon]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

i have a 3hp twin wich is starting oke and at times runs well. But when i close the choke its like its "choking"(no joke).<br />So most of the time i just run it while its just running above stationair. I cleaned the motor and have the mesh in place.<br /><br />I also like to know how to take the tail apart or what kind of oil i need inthere (and how to drain it)<br /><br />in short i like some help

 

[seamonnadon]

Re: 1964 3hp johnson twin wont run

i forgot:<br />i replace coils,points and condensators, because when i bought it it was not starting at all.