Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Right on. I think I can handle that. Thanks!

Nathan

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Hey, just a suggestion. Before you go and order a bunch of kits and stuff, sit back and evaluate your motor. Believe me, I was just like you about 1 1/2 years ago with my first rebuild and it was a 1965 Evinrude 9.5hp....wanted to hurry and get her fixed and quick. To replace things that are not necessary is a waste of money and does not help you to learn how systematically evaluate what is wrong with your motor.

Well, this seems to be a used but a new to you motor, so check this link out. It gives good information. Awakening a sleeping outboard; by BoatBuoy

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086


Now you want to use a systematic approach to assess your engine's problem. Sure, it maybe just needing a carb kit and cleaning and your on your way. But if you a systematic approach to evaluating a motor then you become more efficient than you guessing and changing out parts.

You will see a lot of experience guys ask about compression, spark and fuel. (They are using a systematic approach to diagnosing an engine problem or problems....in this order)

C= compression ( if your compression is low are uneven between cylinders >10% then others checks don't matter until the that is resolved) Low compression will cause your motor not run or run very poorly.

S= Spark (if your have problems with your ignition then you can have the cleanest carb and great fuel delivery but it will run bad or not at all)

F= Fuel (if your carbs are not clean and fast/slow idle needle are not set right then it will run but like crap. If you have it set too lean then you run the risk of poor fuel/oil delivery and damage your pistons and cylinders then you run into the problem of C (poor compression from damage).

For your motor to run and run well (this a general statement) all three of above categories need to be fulfilled.

So it is advisable to get a manual for your motor. Excellent resource, specifications, and diagrams.


How to check compression: (remember to remove both spark plugs) You can get a compression guage for about $10 to 12 dollar at harbor freight or auto zone) auto zone will let you borrow one with a refundable deposit)

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=391323

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyCw4SiuT2I (gives you visual)

How to check for spark.(with a spark checker) about $6 at autozone (or similar store)...harbor freight store. You will also need a feeler guage to gap your spark plugs to 0.030 (feeler gauge is about $3 to 4 dollars)

- adjust the spark test to about 1/4 inches or so. It should be a good strong blue spark. (don't forget to ground the tester to the motor)

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=294072

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk70oyUEftY (general visual)


Carburetor adjustments

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

Carburetor cleaning instructions

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=244013

Here is a picture of how the float should lay.



Check to make sure the vent cap or plug on the tank is open. If it is not open then the motor will run ok for a little bit and die or run poorly. The vent cap or plug has to be open to allow air to enter the tank so fuel can easily be pumped out of the tank by the fuel pump. If the vent cap or plug is closed then the fuel pump has to work against a negative system created in the tank, and you may get low or no flow from the tank.**** Make a long story short, make sure the vent cap/plug is open and try to start your motor.

Also check to see if the fuel line bulb near the tank has the arrow pointing toward the motor and pumps up somewhat firm.


Here is a electronic parts diagram of your motor, so that will help you a bit.

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/EVINRUDE/1968/9822D 1968/parts.html



So, some homework

Get some compression numbers and check your spark with a tester and report back with your finding and a seasoned and experience member can assist you better.



Good luck buddy! Hope you sort things out and get her running soon!

 

[Rick.]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

cajuncook1, That's some very good advice there. LOL it should be a sticky in the Top Secret File. There was a recent thread about a water pump not pumping enough. After a lot of advice from many I asked him if the motor was running hot and he said "no". We all get impatient to get these motors going I'm sure. Anyway it never hurts to stand back and evaluate a situation and go from there. Thanks, Rick.

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

cajuncook1, That's some very good advice there. LOL it should be a sticky in the Top Secret File. There was a recent thread about a water pump not pumping enough. After a lot of advice from many I asked him if the motor was running hot and he said "no". We all get impatient to get these motors going I'm sure. Anyway it never hurts to stand back and evaluate a situation and go from there. Thanks, Rick.

Great advice indeed! Thanks a lot, Cajun. I had read through some of the stuff in the Top Secret file but it's still a bit overwhelming. This is a great starting point. I'll get my homework done and get back to you.

Cheers,

Nathan

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Ok so I went and grabbed the testers I needed and checked compression and spark. I didn't run the engine first but came up with 50 in the lower and 55 in the upper cylinder. Do I need to run it first to get accurate readings?

Picked up a spark tester. The type that has the metal ground clip attached. Clipped it to the engine and gave it a few pulls. Yep there's spark! Don't know what it means to ?adjust to 1/4 inch" though. I guess I might not be running these tests properly. I just did this real quickly tonight. At least I have the tools now.

Am I getting closer to a diagnosis?

Thanks,

Nathan

 

[Rick.]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

On your spark tester tool the gap (where the spark jumps) is adjustable. Adjust the gap to 1/4 inch and see that the spark will jump that gap. It should be blue/white and really snap across the gap. Your compression is lower than I hoped it would be but it should run at that. Some say to warm up the engine prior to a compression test but a cold test gives a fairly good indication of what you have IMO. After you get it running well enough a Seafoam treatment might loosen up your rings and improve the compression. I think your next step is a carb. kit. It is good that your having some success with getting it running. Rick.

 

[learningasIgo]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Hi Guys,

I believe I've found the right place to post this! I recently purchased a little 12 foot aluminum and old Johnson 9.5 hp outboard ('64-73, I believe.) The motor appears to be in decent clean shape but the previous owner informed me that it has not been run in about 5 years. I am leery of dropping it into a lake and running it without doing some kind of carb cleanup or other maintenance. I have read I should replace the water impeller right away and run some other tests. Unfortunately, I have ZERO experience with this stuff but am eager to learn and excited to have a new project.

Of course, I really do want to get it on the water before it freezes! If anyone has any advice it would be much appreciated. Does anyone know a good source for outboard parts (water impeller/pump kits, carb kits) and/or service in Calgary? or even online d-i-y stuff?

Also, I took a quick look and can't seem to find the model/serial number nameplate. Where can this be found?

Oh! And does anyone have any plans for building a workstand for it out of 2x4's? Sorry for the mess of questions but I am a true eager "noob!"


Thanks all,


Current...

Nathan,

Just wanted to encourage you to keep at it. I started out right where you are and have learned so much just the same way you are. Try to limit your mistakes by asking lots of questions and reading/researching as much possible and reading the "Top Secret" files several times over. I'm no expert now, but I can confidently tear into a vintage Johnson like I've been doing it for years now that I have taken the time to learn from the experts and veterans here at iBoats. Keep up the efforts and you'll do just fine.

BTW, good luck with that motor. I hope you run it a lot of years and truly enjoy it.

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Spark on both cylinders: Yes (great)

Compression figures: (50 psi on upper cylinder) and (55 psi on lower cylinder) Would be better if we saw numbers around 60's, but compression technique vary and can give different results for each individual and depending of compression gauge as well. But they are within 10% of each other.

Spray some premix (50:1) fuel/oil in each cylinder and turn the motor over a couple of times so you can get some lubrication in the cylinders. You reported that you used most of a can of starter fluid or carb cleaner earlier to keep the motor running and to try and clean the carb. That probably leaves your cylinders without lubrication.

When you connected your compression tester, was it good and snug(not over tightened)? Pull the cord 5 to 6 times firmly and quickly like your trying to start the motor. Remember keep both plugs out. See if your numbers are slightly improved.


Rick is absolutely right.......get that carb kit and clean up the carb. This is where the service manual comes in handy. Good step by step instructions and pictures.

Well, you doing a great job by collecting pieces of the puzzle. We now have information about

Compression

Spark

Fuel (This is the step you are working on now)

While you are waiting for your carb kit, do a little reading about your motor. Please check your PM (private message inbox.)

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Rick. : Thanks a lot. I'll have to check how to adjust my spark tester. It's the kind that looks like a spark plug with metal clip attached. It did not come with instructions by I rigged it up and was sure happy to see it sparking!


cajuncook1 : Thanks for all your help. So I just need to pick up any old plastic spray bottle and fill it with a funnel? I'll give this a shot (hopefully tonight) and rerun the compression check.


learningasIgo : Thanks for the encouragement. I'm truly overwhelmed with all the help here. The engine would likely be sitting alone in the corner of my garage or in pieces with me with my head in my hands without all this great advice. I'm having a blast and learning quickly.

Cheers all.


Nathan

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Hey a bit of advice that may help you out.

- Use a digital camera to take pictures of motor or parts as you take things apart.(Use a cheap digital camera). This will help you to figure out how to put things back together.

- Use cheap zip lock bags to keep the parts organized and prevent from losing tiny parts. Label the bags as well.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Sounds like you may have purchased the wrong spark tester. I think I have one like you describe and it isn't adjustable although it is still handy. The spark tester we use has , like I said, an adjustable gap. A male ind for the plug wire to fit on and a large clip on the other end to clamp to a ground on the block. Rick.

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Well, I went ahead and found a spray bottle and siphoned some premix into it. I sprayed it into the cylinders and also warmed the engine up spraying the mix into the choke. I did manage to gain a few points and now she's up to 55-60 or 60-65. I'll order a carb kit and manual asap and hope it gets here before everything starts freezing up!

Do you think I can try to open the carb up and soak and clean everything and reassemble it without a carb kit? Maybe I'm being over-eager /anxious an I should just go row my boat around and do some fishing!

Thanks again (and again and again)

Nathan

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Compression numbers looker a little better

Hopefully your manual and carb kit should not be more than a week. You don't want to reuse the gaskets. Also, you will want to remove the core plugs and needle packing so that the carb can be cleaned properly. Your kit will have replacement gaskets, needle packing, core plug and etc. Your manual will give you a good idea how to do it.

Just so you know, carb cleaner can eat up and some what dissolve plastic and rubber, so you want all of that stuff off your carb when you go to clean it.

Be careful with that carb cleaner, usage in enclosed places can cause lung damage and dizziness if you breath that stuff too much.

Yes, go out a do some fishing! Please be patient, do things right and it will pay off!!

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Well I got her running. I feel like a dummy because I finally just turned the fuel hose around ( ie primer bulb closer to tank instead of closer to engine) and it pressurized and fired up right away! It seems to run real nice and smooth. Doesn't cough or sputter or anything.

I live on a little lake/pond (Handy, I know) so I loaded the engine up and took her for a spin. It moved my little 12' fine but would not get up on plane. It seems fairly underpowered. I'll try it again this week with a buddy in the bow and see what happens. Will it feel more powerful with some weight in the front?

Maybe it's a compression thing. I checked it again after and could only get readings around 50. I think I'll try a seafoam treatment. I've read up a bit on it on this site. Should I do a 3/4 can to 1 gallon treatment?

Thanks again, guys. Exciting stuff!


Nathan

 

[hoytvectrix]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

I will get up on plane better with just you in the boat. Mine will push me and a 14' boat 17 mph no problem.

That is way too much seafoam to gas mix. do what is says on the directions on the can. I think it is about 1-2 ounces of seafoam per gallon of 50-1 fuel mix.

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Thanks.

I had read this to improve compression: "i personally like this procedure:

Decarb, take a can of seafoam put 3/4 of it in the gas tank, with only 1 gallon of premixed gas. put the rest in a spray bottle. start the engine, and let it come up to temperature. then remove plugs, and them some real good shot of seafoam into the cylinders, replace plugs, let sit 15 minutes. restart, and spray the rest of the seafoam into the carbs, so the the motor almost stalls, wait and repeat until the seafoam is gone.then take for a wide open spin. then put in new plugs, ad premixed gas to the tank, and take it for a wide open throttle spin. it is going to smoke like a house on fire, during this process.

afterwards compression.recheck"



here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=14506

Oh, it's also here in the Top Secret file: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=2648076#post2648076


Think this will help power issues?

 

[AlTn]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

I think hoyt is suggesting a maintenance amount of seafoam...the concentrated treatment method is for removing carbon and freeing up stuck rings...I can attest to its working on a 9.9...compression went from 60 lbs. to 80 lbs. with that treatment

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

I think hoyt is suggesting a maintenance amount of seafoam...the concentrated treatment method is for removing carbon and freeing up stuck rings...I can attest to its working on a 9.9...compression went from 60 lbs. to 80 lbs. with that treatment

Right, thanks. I gathered that from the bit of digging I've done. Sounds like it worked for you. I think I'll give it a shot!

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Well I got her running. I feel like a dummy because I finally just turned the fuel hose around ( ie primer bulb closer to tank instead of closer to engine) and it pressurized and fired up right away! It seems to run real nice and smooth. Doesn't cough or sputter or anything.

I live on a little lake/pond (Handy, I know) so I loaded the engine up and took her for a spin. It moved my little 12' fine but would not get up on plane. It seems fairly underpowered. I'll try it again this week with a buddy in the bow and see what happens. Will it feel more powerful with some weight in the front?

Maybe it's a compression thing. I checked it again after and could only get readings around 50. I think I'll try a seafoam treatment. I've read up a bit on it on this site. Should I do a 3/4 can to 1 gallon treatment?

Thanks again, guys. Exciting stuff!


Nathan

Cool!!!

Your motor should plane the 12 ft boat with you in it. Look where the motor sits on the transom, there is should a tilt adjustment. (Look at the attachment picture provided) You will see a see a series of slots. It should be in slot 2 or 3 away from transom. This will help with planing. If it is in slot one closet to the transom then the boat may be plowing and not able to get on plane. Try adjust between slot 2 or 3 and try to find the boats sweet spot.

Cheers

 

[Current]

Re: Outboard Newbie! Johnson 9.5hp

Cool!!!

Your motor should plane the 12 ft boat with you in it. Look where the motor sits on the transom, there is should a tilt adjustment. (Look at the attachment picture provided) You will see a see a series of slots. It should be in slot 2 or 3 away from transom. This will help with planing. If it is in slot one closet to the transom then the boat may be plowing and not able to get on plane. Try adjust between slot 2 or 3 and try to find the boats sweet spot.

Cheers

Awesome. Thanks. I was thinking about that. I did have it in the slot closest to the transom. I think I'm gonna get it out tomorrow so I'll try some different positions.