1975 Johnson 9.5 starts, quits gas in water

[ugmold]

Hi folks,
My 1970 Johnson 9.5 has run great for the last 8 years or so on the pond. I drain the gas out of it every season, new lower end oil. Starts 1st or 2nd pull.

All of a sudden it starts the same but will quit after 10 seconds or so. It will then be tough to start or I usually let it it sit and try my luck later. I notice some gas/oil in the water after it quits.

The only I can think of that I've done is tweaked the slow carb adjustment trying to eliminate a little stutter. How many turns should this be out initially?

Thanks much.
-ugmold

 

[ugmold]

Bought some new plugs, 5 pulls and it started, took a buzz around the pond. Seems to lack initial take off power, but it was choppy. I have drained the gas a couple of times this year to see if it was water in the gas, but there is no way to catch the gas to see. (Area too tight to get anything in there)

 

[oldboat1]

Pump some fuel from the tank using the primer bulb. In a glass jar, water will settle to the bottom.

 

[racerone]

I can not see your motor.----Knowing the compression values helps.----And does spark jump a gap of 1/4" or more on both leads , yes or no ?

 

[ugmold]

oldboat1
I pumped some gas out from the primer bulb (good idea) initially it looked clear. I left it for an hour and it got cloudy and I was surprised to see some dirty looking water droplets at the bottom, kind of brownish (rust). That could be it. I always try to keep gas tank clean and drain the carb a couple of times during the season. The gas tank is metal and old but looks clean inside, 3 gallon. I have a 5 gallon plastic, but it won't fit behind the seat. 12ft aluminum.

racerone:
Compression 60-63 both cylinders, I added a little oil in each cylinder and it brought it up 5lbs or so. Good spark from each from 1/4 inch+. I have a pdf called "Maintaining Johnson/Evinrude 9.5 hp 2 cycle outboards 1964 – 1973 (Information & normal repairs)" which says that compression is doable on these motors. But on the low side of it.

 

[ugmold]

So I just measured up and found my 6 gallon plastic tank will fit behind the seat, I think I will abandon the old metal one, could have rust where I can't see.

 

[racerone]

The old metal tanks were better than some of the the plastic junk sold in recent years.

 

[ugmold]

I looked at some new plastic tanks, compact size, pricey. I have a wooden cover in the boat that goes over the tank so it is out of the direct sun, I think it helps.

 

[ugmold]

I think the issue is resolved. I tried my 6 gallon tank, but the fuel line was giving me issues, so I decided to reinspect the 3 gallon metal tank. Drained the gas, ran it thru a Mr Filter gas/water filter and the tank did seem clean inside. Now it has an inline filter in it and I thought maybe it is clogged although not that old. I cut it out and noticed the connection tubes on the filter have softened and twisted possibly restricting gas flow. So I did away with it and it everything seems ok...so far. lol.
Thanks for the advice oldboat1 and racerone.

 

[oldboat1]

Glad you got it handled, ugmold. Good boating to you!