1967 60hp johnson carb tuning...how many turns?

zaner

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 9, 2006
Messages
37
I am trying to tune my carb. I started out at 1 1/2 turns out. When the motor gets warm it spudders and backfires, but runs smooth when its cold. The water pump is working great. I'm totally lost and need some direction. I am mechanicly inclined, the outboard motor stuff is new to me.
 

R.Johnson

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
Messages
4,446
Re: 1967 60hp johnson carb tuning...how many turns?

You must first start with having the carb, and distributor in sync. To adjust the low speed needles, gently turn them in until they touch the seat, then back out 3/4 turn. Run the engine until up to temp. Turn the needle in until the engine spits back, then back out until smooth running. Do this with both needles. It would be best to have a manual to be sure the engine is in proper sync, and link. Do all the basic test's first to make certain the engine is in sound condition. Running smooth when cold does'nt sound right.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: 1967 60hp johnson carb tuning...how many turns?

Zaner.... Start with the basic trouble shooting procedure first.<br /><br />First, check the compression of all cylinders which should be 100+ psi and even on all cylinders.<br /><br />Second, with the spark plugs removed, rig a spark tester whereas you can set a 1/4" gap. At cranking speed the spark should jump that gap with a strong blue lightning like flame, a real SNAP!<br /><br />Spark plugs should be Champion J4C or J6C plugs, gapped at .030. The J4C is the initial plug but the J6C might improve the engine performance. Try both.<br /><br />That downdraft two barrel carburetor may be one of two different types as follows due to someone possibly switching/experimenting.<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustments - Older V/4 Downdraft Carb)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /> <br />NOTE: The early model downdraft carburetors incorporated "Adjustable High Speed Jets". The later model downdraft carburetors used "Fixed High Speed Jets". Follow the below instructions accordingly.<br /> <br />NOTE: If you do not have adjustable high speed jets, ignore those paragraphs pertaining to same...... BUT do make sure that you manually inspect and clean the two brass fixed high speed jets which would be located in back of the two 7/16" slotted hex head bolts in the bottom front portion of the float chamber.<br /><br />Lift the center High Speed Control lever and turn it so that the point faces forward, resting on the high ridge. This will disengage the lever control gear from the individual high speed jets (slots). Have the slow speed needle valve knobs installed upside down so that they can be turned without encountering any obstruction.<br /><br />Gently seat each of the High Speed needle valves, then back each one out one (1) turn. Gently seat each of the Slow Speed needle valves, then back each one out one and one half (1-1/2) turns. NOTE... have the jam nut on the s/speed needles snug so that viberation won't have any effect on them, but loose enough so that you can turn them without a great amout of effort.<br /><br />(High Speed)<br />With a reliable person at the wheel, and one kneeling in front of the engine, start the engine (yes, it will run lousy with the above initial needle valve settings), put it into forward gear, and apply full throttle. Start with the High Speed adjustment on the left using a screwdrive that properly fits the slot.<br /><br />(High Speed Adjustments)<br />At full throttle, with the proper size screwdriver, slowly start turning one of the H/S needles in segments of 1/8 turn, waiting momentarily for the engine to respond, then repeat turning. You will reach a point where the engine will start to die out. At that point, back that needle valve out approximately 1/4 turn. Now, go to the other High Speed needle valve and repeat that procedure. At some point in that 1/4 turn out, you will find the smoothest high speed setting (you can now lower the throttle rpm). That will have both high speed needle valves set correctly, and at that point you can lift that center lever adjustment of that high ridge, keeping it lifted until the point is facing the engine, then lower it into its proper position. (When you turn that lever now, you're adjusting both High Speed needle valves at the same time.)<br /><br />(Slow Speed Adjustments)<br />Now, lowering the rpms of course, take the engine out of gear and set the throttle just to where the engine will stay running. Again, in segments of 1/8 turn, slowly start turning in one of the slow speed needle valves, waiting a few seconds between each turning for the engine to respond. As you turn the s/speed needles in, the rpms will increase..... and as it does, lower the rpms to where the engine will just stay running (otherwise the rpms will climb quite high). You will reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or it will spit back (sounds like a mjild backfire). At that point, back the needle valve out 1/4 turn. Repeat the process with the remaining slow speed needle. Again, at some point in that 1/4 turn out, you will find the smoothest setting. When finished, tighten the jam nut somewhat, then remove and reinstall the s/speed knobs correctly (right side up).<br /><br />Let us know what you find.
 
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