johnson wont stay running

[chrismeister]

well hello what i have is a 1976 johnson 55hp<br />outboard and i cant get it to stay running it starts sometimes and then will run for 2-4 minutes then just die like there is a short in the kill or something but then it wont start again for another 5-10 min i have no idea im new to this so if anyone can help that would be great

 

[DJ]

Re: johnson wont stay running

Iwon'teventrytospellyourscreenname, <br /><br />Do you have spark-all the time? If so, you have a fuel problem. <br /><br />Put some premix fuel in a spray bottle and squirt some in the carbs, while cranking it. If you can keep it running this way, you have some fuel system diagnosis to do.<br /><br />Let us know.

 

[chrismeister]

Re: johnson wont stay running

thanks i thought i had a fuel problem as well i changed the fuel in the tank took the carbs off drained the fuel then cleaned then floats look good but i think it might be in my spark not sure if im getting intermittant spark or not how do i check accuratly?? i get fuel running out of carbs when wont start

 

[madecool]

Re: johnson wont stay running

Sounds like you could have a short like said but usually a short will make the engine give you a sound when the engine is running like some tried to kill for a second. I mean if it ran and for 5 minutes smooth idle that did not notice something like a 1/2 second interruption. You need further checking for that. Before you try to rewire the engine.

 

[chrismeister]

Re: johnson wont stay running

ya runs good for a few min then just dead no sputter or anything just dead!!!! could it be an electrical component working intermitantly ?? <br />where do i start

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: johnson wont stay running

First, try what Djohns suggested. If it continues to run, it's a fuel problem and the carbs or fuel pump will need rebuilding. Is the primer bulb staying firm? Try pumping it when it starts to die. Also you might run it and when it dies, check if it has spark by removing the spark plugs and putting them back in the boots. Then ground them to the block and crank the motor. See if they are firing. Let us know what the results are of either test.

 

[chrismeister]

Re: johnson wont stay running

ok thanks guys i will give this a try today if i dont get spark all the time then what???<br />thanks again ill let you know

 

[chrismeister]

Re: johnson wont stay running

well i checked my spark its good and pumped up primer ball past hard just kept pumping then sprayed a little fuel in carbs and it started so i changed fuel line and buld and still works so far so thanks guys appereciate your help<br /><br />oh is my balb supposed to have check valve in both sides or not new balb does not ever get hard but can here gas flowing back to tank <br /><br />thanks