Bah motor dies when accelerating

[Thompsoncustom]

I have a 1990 Johnson 20 HP that I bought as a project. Replaced the throttle linkage bracket that was missing and got a prop on it and put a carb rebuild kit in it. Yes I thought I can finally get this thing on the water.

So was on the water for the first time today with this motor and it will not accelerate without dieing. Idling is not the best it likes to backfire but will stay running most of the time. Accelerating is the real killer it won't go anywhere tried adjusting the choke and pushing the primer bulb but no luck

 

[flyingscott]

Probably running lean turn the low speed screw out 1.5 turns from lightly seated. Did you do a linc and sync when you put the throttle back together

 

[Thompsoncustom]

I tried adjusting the idle screw but doesn't really make a difference till it dies.

I don't know what a link and sync is so I can tell you I haven't done that.

It almost seems like its being straved of fuel.

 

[Tim Frank]

Be systematic.
Check compression, then verify spark with a proper tester.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

I have both a compression tester and a spark testing so that I can test.

How would I go about doing the sync and link test on a pull start?

 

[Thompsoncustom]

Spark looks good, ohms on coils match, took the boat back out this morning and really played with the choke and at idle I can move the idle in and out a little and stop the coughing/spitting.

Now when accelerating if I slowly squeeze the primer bulb if it stays alive till the bulbs flat

 

[Tim Frank]

What did you set the gap to on the spark tester?

 

[Thompsoncustom]

Tester was just the flasher type to confirm spark.