1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

[Gizmobreaker]

Following suggestions from an earlier post, I am trying to rebuild the carburetor on my 15hp Johnson Sailmaster, J15RLCOB. My service manual has not arrived, yet, but I want to get going on this.

But...

I cannot figure out how to get a wrench on the port side nut that bolts the carb to the manifold. Seems like it should be obvious. Access to the nut is blocked by the flywheel (above), the cam and cam follower (forward) and the rewind starter (to port). There is no access from below that I can figure out and the carb, itself, blocks access from the starboard side.

What's the trick? I can't believe that I have to remove the flywheel to service the carburetor, but what do I know?!

Thanks, everyone, for any help you can provide.
Marty

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

Remove the rewind starer and don't let it come apart, I wrap them in electrical tape to stop them from letting go.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

Is it possible the starter would be easier to remove than the flywheel?
You need to observe if its possible to get the carb fasteners back on once removed by that procedure.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

Is it possible the starter would be easier to remove than the flywheel?
You need to observe if its possible to get the carb fasteners back on once removed by that procedure.

1 bolt through the starter vs having to hold the flywheel , remove the nut then use a puller or a hammer and 2 prybars. I think so. It's a manual starter, they are a breeze to reinstall.

 

[Gizmobreaker]

Re: 1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

OK, I'm starting to be encouraged. Tell me where I go wrong, please.

I wrap the starter with plenty of electrical tape, then I loosen the vertical center bolt until it comes out of the manifold. Then I lift the starter out of the motor and put a nut on the bolt. The starter rope is still in the hole in the case.

Now I can get at the nut on the carburetor.

Yes, I hope?

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: 1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

Just remove the big bolt. You don't need to tape the recoil since it won't fly apart but its best to keep it sandwiched together with a pair of vice grips. Just clamp the grips on snug and move the recoil starter out of the way with the rope still connected.
The hardest part is lining the recoil back up and getting the bolt started but after a few tries or maybe 10 it will go back on.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

hold the recoil parts together,remove the bolt, have a 3/8ths 16 nut handy, install the nut on the bolt after removal to hold it together.
some carbs also then require the throttle cam/roller assy to be removed from the carb to access the nut.
be aware there is about 14 ft of spring coiled inside the starter.
if it gets loose hope your safty glasses are in place as it unwinds at almost the speed of sound.

 

[Gizmobreaker]

Re: 1985 9.9hp 15hp Sailmaster - cannot remove carburetor

Worked like a champ! Thank you, everyone.