This might be a stupid question

[imported_ranger_6]

I have an 86 Johnson 65HP. There's 3 black, circle, plastic things that I think cover the ports to the carb. or something. anyway, these things just pop on and off. However the bottom one is missing. Is that important? Could that be one of the reasons my engine won't start?

 

[DJ]

Re: This might be a stupid question

ranger_6,<br /><br />No stupid questions here. Just those that aren't asked.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm trying to picture what you are describing. How big are they?<br /><br />Also, do you have spark? If not, check your kill switch lanyard.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: This might be a stupid question

Those are the plastic dedris screens I think. I had a 55hp that had the snap-on screens..

 

[imported_ranger_6]

Re: This might be a stupid question

There about the size of a silver dollar. There's a lot of things I need to replace or fix to get this thing running. (Fuel filter, rebuild carbs, etc.) I just bought this thing and I don't know the last time this stuff was done. So I was just wondering if these black things are important. I just replaced the lower unit gear oil and it was a milky grey and I think that's bad but how bad are we talkin here?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: This might be a stupid question

Milky grey to white indicates water....being grey in color, I would make sure it doesn't smell "burnt", as this may indicate a need for some L/U gear attention..

 

[LubeDude]

Re: This might be a stupid question

Walleyehead is right, You need to change it and then run it awhile and then change it again! This will assure getting all the moisture out! Change the little gaskets behind the plugs!! Then you need to run it awhile again and let it set overnight and then check it the next day to see if there is any new water in there! When was the last time you changed it, and how milky is it?????<br /><br />LubeDude

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: This might be a stupid question

I assume that the "Round Black Plastic" things are the objects that are inserted in the front portion of the carburetor face plate. They were originally designed to allow access to adjustable needle valves in some of the older engines such as the 1968, 1969, etc models.<br /><br />I have no idea why they would be present on a 1986 model.

 

[imported_ranger_6]

Re: This might be a stupid question

grrrrrreeeeaaaaatttt, moisture in the lower unit, another problem to add to the list. how milky was it you ask? It looked like someone melted a grey crayon and that's the continous color that flowed out of there. You said replace small gasketts behind the plugs? please specify. I dont' know when the last time it's been changed, I bought it from a guy and this is what I got, wished I would have known what to look for cause I'm about to set this thing on fire and buy a newer one. thanks for all your help

 

[LubeDude]

Re: This might be a stupid question

OK, Dont get your hopes up yet, but if you follow my previous post and there isnt any sign of moisture at the last inspection you are probably ok! However keep checking it the day after every trip and if it continues to stay good your OK! If it drained out pretty good, thats a good sign, if it had a lot of water in it for a long time, sometimes it will not even drain and is almost white!! I think it is more than likely just lack of maintenance!!<br /><br />The little washers go on the plugs before you put them back in, make sure there are no old ones in the holes on the lower unit!<br /><br />I allways use a synthetic lower unit oil, Ive had good luck with allmost any automotive synthetic gear lube in the 75-90W Class! I like Amsoil the best as they have one that is designed for that purpose!! The reason is that Synthetic gear lube will protect better if you were to get moisture in there and didnt notice it for awhile!<br /><br />LubeDude