1989 Johnson 60HP J60ELCEA Outboard will not run without choke

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SeaNymphFM161

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Dec 28, 2014
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Hello all! Here's my sob story ... My motor will start, idle and propel at low speeds. If I run the idle high, or try to propel fast, the motor sounds like it's starving for gas then dies. I went through the carb's three times (basic cleaning), replaced the gas tank, replaced the fuel line (bulb still doesn't feel stiff), replaced the fuel filter, replaced a diaphragm in the fuel pump (original looked good - now purple), and ran with gas tank cap loose (thought there might be a vacuum lock - sucked air when opened). If I pulse or hold the electric choke, the motor runs fast across the lake. Debating on buying a bunch of specialty tools to diagnose with manual, or just take it to a shop. I read a thread where a gentleman found that the choke was letting fuel by when not activated, so I'll check that tomorrow. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Tnstratofam

Tnstratofam

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:welcome: When you said you did a basic cleaning on the carbs did that include removing the jets and cleaning them? Sounds like your high speed jets aren't clean. If you're planning on owning the boat a while, and do as much of the work yourself I would definitely purchase a good repair manual.
 
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racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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On that motor the primer valve ( aka choke to some ) puts fuel into the motor and this fuel bypasses the carburetors.-----This clearly indicates that carburetor cleaning must be revisited.---------------Find and clean the high speed jets ( orifice ) that is screwed horizontally into the carburetor bowl.
 
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SeaNymphFM161

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Dec 28, 2014
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Just got done tearing down the carbs following the manual, and the high speed jets look spotless. When I cleaned the carbs previously, I was able to clean all visible varnish, and cleaned the ports/jets. During one of the previous cleanings to solve this very problem, I had to replace the high-speed jets, as I had messed up the head on one of them (wrong screwdriver). I'll check spark tomorrow since it hasn't run in a long time. Any other thoughts, or should I just consider leaving it to the professionals? I'd feel more comfortable testing the motor in a better water tank at full speed, versus trying it in a trash can. Any suggestions on a better water tank, if needed?
 
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SeaNymphFM161

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After Googling some more, some posts discussed air leaks. Looking around, I appear to be missing three carb mounting gaskets LOL, Yep, still a cadet. I'll let you know the verdict.
 
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SeaNymphFM161

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Dec 28, 2014
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Found that the gaskets were still on the motor, but replaced them anyway along with new bowl gaskets. Quadruple-checked high-speed jets. Noticed gasoline pooling at the front of #1 carb. When I place hand over carb #3, motor revs up. Hand over carb #2, motor dies slowly. Hand over carb #1, motor dies quickly. Also got OEM plugs, gaped at .040 and replaced. Motor idles a bit rough, but I don't see anything in the manual discussing low-speed adjustment, just that the needles need to be set back to where-ever they were before you disassemble. When I said 'basic cleaning', I cleaned all visible issues, but did not soak in fear of eating up rubber plugs. Seems to be common to soak carb's, so I'll pickup some juice and soak them a bit. I'll also pickup some carb cleaner to add to the fuel tank. Any additional thoughts on motor dying when throttle applied and/or gas pooling at front of carb #1, would be appreciated.
 
Bosunsmate

Bosunsmate

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Keep engine off, squeese bulb firm, does it hold tight? Might be leaking past the float valve on #1

" just that the needles need to be set back to where-ever they were before you disassemble"
Doesnt sound like sound advice to me, id back them off until the engine runs smooth, or tighten them up til it stutters and then back out a quarter to a half
 
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daselbee

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Jan 20, 2009
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Go to shop.evinrue.com, drill down to find your motor parts pages, go to carburetor section look at ref. # 18.
It is a washer shaped gasket that fits around the fuel pickup tube that extends into the bowl.
If that gasket is missing or torn or crushed so as not to seal, the carbs will not draw fuel.
 
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racerone

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Does the hose for the " pee indicator " come off the side of the block or has it been moved to the top of the block ?--Service bulletin from 1994 says it has to be done.-----It sure screams of carburetor problems but what are the results of a compression test ?
 
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SeaNymphFM161

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Dec 28, 2014
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Took the carbs out again, and this time I broke the hose nipple off the primer solenoid cover. Ordered a replacement and gasket. Inside the solenoid all looks good, but I'll do an ohm check, too. Disassembled carbs and am having them sonic-cleaned(?) at a friends small-engine repair shop. I should get them back by Monday, and grab some non-ethanol gasoline from him. I noticed that when I removed the slow-speed jets, that the book says they should be between 2.5 and 2.75 turns, but one was at 2.5, another at 2.2 and another at 2.0. I've got them marked, but I'll adjust them a bit and see how she idles. I'll also do the bulb-check, but I think daselbee is on to something. I don't recall ever seeing that #18 gasket. I'll replace them. If they are missing, I wonder if that would prevent the ball from getting stiff?? It gets firm, but never stiff (let's not get off base here). From the diagram, I can't picture how they would set in there, but I'll give it a whirl. As for the 'pee indicator", I Googled it and can't determine what that is. If you could provide a link to the service bulletin, or a part number, or a detailed description, I'll find it and check it. While waiting on the carbs, I cleaned out every drop of oil in the oil tank and put some fresh 2-cycle oil in. Lastly, I'd like to take just a quick second and say 'Thank You' to each of your for your insight, much appreciated. The less money I throw into that hole in the water, the better.
 
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boobie

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I agree with Daselbee in post # 9. Without that gasket the carbs will act just like yours are doing. Been there.
 
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SeaNymphFM161

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Dec 28, 2014
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I read the pee-stream bulletin, and it appears the fix has not been applied yet, I'll get that taken care of. After cleaning carbs and replacing inner-bowl gasket, she runs fast without choke. That you all for your help. Next issue is VRO and alarm, but i'll start a new thread on that if I can't figure it out. Thanks again!
 
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