Smoke

[kat-a-tonik]

1966 18hp Johnson FD 20C, smokes like a freight train and smell just as bad, first time it has ran in several years, when im giving it gas it runs great but when I let it come down to idleit has what I can only describe as a hiccup or what seems like a mis but working the choke helps with that, any advice on the smoking problem and the idle trouble would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gm280]

What color is the smoke problem? And when was the last time the carb was cleaned and/or rebuilt? Sounds like you may have more then one problem to me. Do a compression test to see what is going on there and install a carb kit and see if that solves your idle issue... And let us know what your compression numbers are as well.

 

[racerone]

Motor should run on fuel mixed at 50:1.--------Open the low speed needle 1/8 turn at a time and see if it smooths out.-------Check and make sure throttle is not opening too early.

 

[kat-a-tonik]

The smoke is white, adjusting the low speed idle doesn't really make a difference, im sure the carb needs rebuilt, the engine runs great when its throttled up, 50:1 is the fuel mix im using I will do a compression test as soon as I can find a tester to borrow.

 

[gm280]

The smoke is white, adjusting the low speed idle doesn't really make a difference, im sure the carb needs rebuilt, the engine runs great when its throttled up, 50:1 is the fuel mix im using I will do a compression test as soon as I can find a tester to borrow.

White smoke means water. So you may have a few things wrong there. Let's see what the compressions reading are...

 

[Bosunsmate]

Check your sparkplugs, i bet one looks bad

 

[boobie]

Compression test first !!

 

[kat-a-tonik]

I did a compression test, both top and bottom were 120

 

[rolmops]

White as in steam?

 

[kat-a-tonik]

White as in exhaust smoke, and chokes you to death

 

[rolmops]

White as in exhaust smoke, and chokes you to death

I just wanted to rule out a possible blown head gasket.
The heavy smoke is a sign of unburnt fuel. My suggestion would be a good carburetor checkup/cleaning,fresh spark plugs (champion j4c) and double check the link&sinc.

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Thanks rollmops ill redo the carb and plugs, I am greenhorn when it comes to working on these motors, what do you mean by link&sink

 

[rolmops]

It has to do with the linkage from the accellerator to the carburetor and synchronizing it with the timing advancement while accellerating.
If you want to do the wrenching yourself you really should get a manual. The Seloc manual for 2 cylinder outboards from '56 to '71 is all you need for that engine.

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Ok I rebuilt the carb and changed the plugs, the motor is running great but I still have the [smoke/steam problem?] it looks as though it is coming from the water in the barrel and not the exhaust, some water is coming from the pee hole but not much, there is a lot of oily residue in the barrel water and oil in the gear oil, when I shut the motor off you can here water gurgling in the leg of the motor I am sure it needs a water pump kit, any other Ideas about the [smoke/steam]

 

[Bosunsmate]

post a video, make sure the water level is halfway up the leg or do a video with it on a good pair of muffs

 

[kat-a-tonik]

I'll try to do a video, my phone doesn't do that very well, and the water level was up to the knuckle were the lower swivel point is, I forgot to mention it smoke more when you give it throttle than when it is idling

 

[Bosunsmate]

Ok I rebuilt the carb and changed the plugs, the motor is running great but I still have the [smoke/steam problem?] it looks as though it is coming from the water in the barrel and not the exhaust, some water is coming from the pee hole but not much, there is a lot of oily residue in the barrel water and oil in the gear oil, when I shut the motor off you can here water gurgling in the leg of the motor I am sure it needs a water pump kit, any other Ideas about the [smoke/steam]

2 strokes leave a lot of oily residue in the barrel, im amazed they arent banned in more places.
if you havent done a water impellor on it then best you do as they are due every 2years maximum.
Put your hand on the head, can you hold your hand there a while while its running, ten/15 secs?
If its running great, no backfires, stumbles and the plugs are all a nice tan colour, none steam cleaned from water intrusion then it sounds like its not got a bad issue unresolved but do do that pump

 

[rolmops]

There is supposed to be water gurgling in the leg.It is the exhaust and water returning from the engine goes down through the "leg". 2 strokes always smoke up a storm in a barrel. that is because there just is not enough water in a barrel to absorb all the exhaust fumes. Once you are on the lake there will hardly be any smoke.As for impellers,it is good to replace after a long time of not using the outboard.

 

[kat-a-tonik]

I will try to post a video, my phone doesn't do a very good job at that, the water level was at the bottom of the pilot shaft barely below the exhaust

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Ok, so whats the likely cause for the water in the gear oil