Re: '85 JOhnson 30 Hp << Solenoid Q ?>>
That is a fuel primer solenoid which takes the place of the choke. Notice that there is no choke butterfly?
The RED arrow/lever should be over top of the solenoid, pointing directly at the other end of the solenoid. This is the automatic position.
When cranking the engine and pushing in the key (as you would normally do to engage an electric choke), fuel is allowed to flow out those small lines you see attached to that solenoid and flow to either the rear portion of the carburetor or to the intake manifold area...... priming the engine with fuel.
When you turn that RED lever away from the solenoid, fuel flows thru it and to the engine. This is the same as engaging a electric choke manually with the choke lever.
Leave the RED lever over top of the solenoid, pointed directly at the other end of the solenoid.
If the engine runs improperly with the lever in the automatic position, a problem exists elsewhere....... improperly cleaned carb, carb not adjusted properly, compression?, spark? Plugs should be Champion QL77JC4 plugs, gapped at .040 .
Compression should be approximately 100+ psi and even on all cylinders. Is it? Spark (with s/plugs removed) should jump a 7/16" gap with a strong blue lightning like flame... a real SNAP! Does it?
(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)
(J. Reeves)
Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.
Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the S/S needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running.
Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.
Note 1: As a final double check setting of the slow speed valve(s), if the engine has more than one carburetor, do not attempt to gradually adjust all of the valves/carburetors at the same time. Do one at a time until you hit the above response (die out or spit back), then go on to the next valve/carburetor. It may be necessary to back out "all" of the slow speed adjustable needle valves 1/8 turn before doing this final adjustment due to the fact that one of the valves might be initially set ever so slightly lean.
Note 2: If the engine should be a three (3) cylinder engine with three (3) carburetors, start the adjustment sequence with the center carburetor.
When you have finished the above adjustment, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.
