1988 15hp Johnson: Bringing it back from the dead

[skide89]

Hey
I've just aquired a 1988 johnson outboard, that has not run in two years. Is there anything that I should do or check out before I try and start it. I've put some 2 stroke oil in the cylinders just to loosten things up. Thanks

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1988 15hp Johnson: Bringing it back from the dead

Check compression for a baseline. If it's good then it's worth sinking some loot into it. Change the impeller and still ensure good water flow from the pee hole when running... the 9.9's and the 15's have a habit of water flow issues and upper grommet issues...

 

[wbeaton]

Re: 1988 15hp Johnson: Bringing it back from the dead

I believe there is a thread in the FAQ's called "Awaking a Sleeping Outboard" or something like that. I sugest you take a look at it.

 

[2Smokinya]

Re: 1988 15hp Johnson: Bringing it back from the dead

Clean out the carb, change the lower unit lube, new spark plug(s), and a new water pump. Check spark and compression as well.

 

[allinblue66]

Re: 1988 15hp Johnson: Bringing it back from the dead

Question from down-under...

I have a Johnson 15hp, 1987 model, which suffered a thermostat failure and consequent overheating and seizure.

Without any real prior experience but with assistance from forums like this (which are a great help), I stripped the motor down and replaced some gaskets and the thermostat. In particular, I have replaced the grommets at the top of the water inlet and outlet pipes, which had ?melted? practically shut.

I have also had a marine mechanic look at the compression, which I am told is ok. (The mechanic started the motor (before I had replaced the grommets) and said that it seemed ok but for the water flow- hence the grommets being replaced).

Having stripped the power head and replaced the gaskets, this weekend I put the motor back together and, with trepidation, pulled the starter cord. I am met with a motor that will occasionally ?kick?, but won?t fire up.

The spark plugs have been replaced, but not the coils and leads- I am working on the assumption that if the mechanic was able to get it started, these should be ok.

I have not replaced the fuel- which is probably 4 months old, but has been stored in a garage and in mild conditions.

Any ideas or suggestions for getting the motor to start greatly appreciated.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1988 15hp Johnson: Bringing it back from the dead

did you torque the flywheel nut. check and see if the woodruff key sheared. ethanol fuel only has a short life span.

 

[mikesea]

Re: 1988 15hp Johnson: Bringing it back from the dead

closley inspect all wiring that may have melted the found ground,also check any kill /safety buttone,you might try disconnecting the buttons to eliinate them as suspect ,there is a possibility your powerpack got to hot and failed