my first post

[the other eric]

hello, my name is Eric im from massachuettes and i bought my first boat. so far things have been going ok but im having a hard time getting it started, it always does but it should be running better. the outboard is a 1976 johnson jvalin 85 horse. im wondering what the correct mixture is i have been usuing 40 to 1, am i in the ballpark or can somebody set me straight. anu help would be great for the newbie.

 

[Kevin70]

Re: my first post

Hello Eric. Welcome to iboats.

The correct mixture is 50:1, I believe. As far as the slow starts, let us know what you have eliminated so far...changed plugs/wires, cleaned clogged carb valves, made sure choke is functioning? The pros here will need all of the info you can give them.

 

[ezeke]

Re: my first post

Kevin 70 has the fuel mix nailed. Use 100% Synthetic TCW-3 for best results.

The series of V4 motors 1973-1977 that includes yours, needs 300RPM for a cold start. It takes a fully charged, powerful battery to get there.

The motors in this series also need to have fully closed chokes for a cold start. You check it by looking down the barrels of the carburetors while someone else cranks the starter. If the vacuum created by the cylinders opens the chokes, adjust by moving the choke solenoid in small increments.

 

[the other eric]

Re: my first post

i dont know much about motors, but am i right by saying that im running it lean at 40 to 1. im very happy i found you guys. im going to look at this wekend and i can give you guys a better peek at whats happining. thanks again.

eric

 

[ezeke]

Re: my first post

The expression "lean" means that there is too little gasoline in the mixture of gas and air. The oil ratio is too small a difference to be significant in the short run. Running lean will generally cause excessive heat in the firing chambers.

Your engine has fixed jets so you cannot adjust the ratio of fuel to air except by cleaning and rebuilding the carburetors, which is sometimes necessary.

It is important to guard against a lean condition caused by unwanted air infiltration into the fuel system, because a lean condition can be very destructive to the engine.​

 

[the other eric]

Re: my first post

should i just syphon the tank out and start from scratch.

 

[F_R]

Re: my first post

Eric, I think we are confusing you with too much terminology info. Don't worry about the 40:1, it won't harm a thing.

 

[ezeke]

Re: my first post

No. If the fuel is fresh, use it, and don't try to averagage it out. Just make future additions at 50:1.

 

[the other eric]

Re: my first post

thanks will do

 

[samo_ott]

Re: my first post

40:1 is too rich. 50:1 is leaner. Running it too rich is not an issue other than it will smoke and pollute more. Too much oil is not a big issue, so finish the tank and then go 50:1 from now on.

 

[Rich976usaf]

Re: my first post

Here is where to start. Rebuild and clean the carbs. Then if your still having a problem then buy a manual. And start checking things.

 

[iwombat]

Re: my first post

I think it's a bit premature to start tearing things apart. Have you done a decarb yet? That may be all it needs. I'd go the portable can 2gal premix and 1 can seafoam route to work the seafoam into the carbs. Run 1 gal through and let it sit for a day or so. Then, run the other gallon through. It may not fix everything, but dollars to donuts you see an improvement.

Check the FAQ for decarb info.