Lean/Rich mixture on 1965 Johnson 9.5 hp

jfp245

Cadet
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
14
Just got a 1965 Johnson 9.5 hp outboard. Runs good but the lean/rich mixture control is disconnected. I think I can reconnect the parts but my question concerns the "appropriate" setting for such. Does this control really work and is it really necessary? Does it really help to adjust for slow idle or for WOT or should it be set and left alone?
 

kbait

Commander
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Nov 13, 2007
Messages
2,475
Re: Lean/Rich mixture on 1965 Johnson 9.5 hp

It's only the control for idle mixture adjustment. That carb has a fixed hi-speed (main) jet. Should be around 1.5 turns out from gently seated if carb is all good, not gunked up. Check out 'top secret files' sticky in this forum. Good luck!
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
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Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Lean/Rich mixture on 1965 Johnson 9.5 hp

(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.
 

jfp245

Cadet
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
14
Re: Lean/Rich mixture on 1965 Johnson 9.5 hp

It's only the control for idle mixture adjustment. That carb has a fixed hi-speed (main) jet. Should be around 1.5 turns out from gently seated if carb is all good, not gunked up. Check out 'top secret files' sticky in this forum. Good luck!

Thanks kbait; good information. I appreciate your knowledge...and time.
 

jfp245

Cadet
Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
14
Re: Lean/Rich mixture on 1965 Johnson 9.5 hp

Wow!!! Joe, you hit the nail on the head. Thanks for this great information. I'll save and use.
 
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