25hp johnson '85 cuts out at 2/3 throttle

kbait

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Nov 13, 2007
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2,471
Any clues? I'm reposting from a couple days ago:
'85 25hp johnson manual start motor runs perfectly, but when powering up in gear at about 2/3 throttle, it simply cuts out. I can keep it from shutting completely off if I reduce the throttle quickly, and then it 'catches' again. It seems to be ignition cutting out altogether on both cylinders at the same time. I recently installed a carb kit, as it had a sticky needle/seat. It would run wide open just fine before that issue. I also re-inspected the high speed jet, and it is not clogged at all. And pumping the fuel bulb has no effect, and fuel is fresh, vent is open. All hoses/lines/connectors appear fine.
I thought that perhaps some ignition wires (black and white) were shorting out as the stator was advanced past a certain point, so I pulled the recoil and plugs, put motor in forward at full throttle and spun the flywheel by hand and found spark from both plug wires. (I also replaced plugs)
When I installed the carb kit last week, I simply replaced the needle and seat, gaskets and packing. I did not remove 'boss plugs' or whatever they are and go any deeper into the carb. I don't think it's a fuel issue at all, since it seems to cut out just like you'd turn the key off (if it had one). Perhaps a bad pick-up coil under the flywheel that quits working at higher RPM? (would still spark by hand cranking). I don't think it's a kill switch, since I can still get spark on above test. I don't think it's coils - why fail and then work at the same time. Maybe ignition box? I haven't heard of one failing like that, and I don't want to throw $$ haphazardly. Thanks!
 

UK Vintage

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Aug 22, 2008
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Re: 25hp johnson '85 cuts out at 2/3 throttle

Sounds like it's overfuelling (or underfuelling) to me, which usually means the float level is incorrect. I don't usually touch carbs, I leave that to proper mechanics (without trying to sound patronising, really hoping you are not a proper mechanic too).
 

kbait

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Joined
Nov 13, 2007
Messages
2,471
Re: 25hp johnson '85 cuts out at 2/3 throttle

I'm sure the float level is set correctly.. level w/carb body when held upside down.. Anyone else have a clue about this problem?
 

UK Vintage

Cadet
Joined
Aug 22, 2008
Messages
25
Re: 25hp johnson '85 cuts out at 2/3 throttle

In my experience ignition problems aren't usually intermittent so that only leaves fuel. My friend had a similar problem on his 20hp seahorse and it turned out the carb needed a clean.
 
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