81 Johnson 2 hp won't run

[Frank Biggs]

81 model 2 hp Johnson (back up sailboat motor) was running perfectly 3 years ago. Ran the gas out, put a little oil in cylinder and stored in garage. Tried to start it recently, it finally started and ran on fast setting for about 20 seconds, stopped and won't restart. Cleaned carb (not dirty) checked points, okay, good spark, compression 65 lbs., fresh no ethanol gas 50:1. Fast and slow carb adjustments out about 1 turn. What could be wrong?

 

[oldboat1]

I'm gonna guess it's heating up, with the impeller cup installed upside down! (http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...tboards/10085449-2-hp-johnson-dies-under-load)

could be great timing for your post....

 

[oldboat1]

Might as well start with the l.u. on yours. Are you running it in the lake or a tub of water, and is it pumping water and cooling? When it's shutting down like you describe is the head hot to the touch (too hot to touch) -- any smell? Do you have oil in the l.u., and have you checked it for water. The impeller is probably due for replacement. Does the prop turn when you pull the cord?

Clean up the clip in the plug boot, and test for spark with a spark tester. Is the tank vent open, and the shut off valve open and unblocked? Is gas getting to the carb?

[ed. might open the low speed needle slightly more for starting -- 1 1/2 to 2 turns.]

 

[twocyclemania]

Hows the fuel flow? Don't know if you have a metal or plastic tank but if it's metal it could be rust accumulation blocking the the flow. Pull the gas line at the carb and see if it's okay. Also, I've found that motors (usually small ones) with the tank on top need a decent amount of fuel for some reason to get an adequate flow; at least a quarter tank. Don't know why.

 

[flyingscott]

How did you clean the carb. Make sure the fuel valve itself is not plugged take the fuel line off of the carb and turn the valve on and cjheck for flow.

 

[steelespike]

Did you torque the flywheel nut to the correct number.264 - 300 in lbs.Is the key and keyway good?
Have you checked that the plug fires.Should have a blue audible snap.
Is there a fuel shut off?Have you squirted fuel into the cylinder?Is the vent on the tank open
and working?Does the choke open and close?

 

[Frank Biggs]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Most I have checked. This little engine probably has less than 10 total hours on it. It has been in the lazaret (? sp.) on the sailboat most of the time since 1981. Engine only ran a total of about 20 seconds when I pulled it out this time.. Hard to see the problem on short run time. Impeller replaced before storage. Did not run long enough to get hot. As mentioned compression 65 lbs. Same fuel running chain saw fine Fuel flows out needle valve adjusters when removed. Plug wet with fuel after several pulls with choke engaged. I have good visible spark but not blue and no audible snap. I will check further into ignition and open idle adjuster slightly. Thanks for your time and comments. If I find the problem and the solution is interesting enough I will post it.

 

[Vic.S]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Most I have checked. This little engine probably has less than 10 total hours on it. It has been in the lazaret (? sp.) on the sailboat most of the time since 1981. Engine only ran a total of about 20 seconds when I pulled it out this time.. Hard to see the problem on short run time. Impeller replaced before storage. Did not run long enough to get hot. As mentioned compression 65 lbs. Same fuel running chain saw fine Fuel flows out needle valve adjusters when removed. Plug wet with fuel after several pulls with choke engaged. I have good visible spark but not blue and no audible snap. I will check further into ignition and open idle adjuster slightly. Thanks for your time and comments. If I find the problem and the solution is interesting enough I will post it.

Sounds as though it might be flooding ??? Check float and valve