Hi, I recently purchased a boat with a 1971 Johnson 50hp on it. It had sat for 3-4 years before I took it over. The previous owner said it ran when parked. I emptied the old gas that looked like Coca-Cola out of the tank, replaced with fresh mixed fuel. Removed both carbs and cleaned them. Replaced needle and seats. Checked compression 150 top, 153 bottom. Spark tested and jumps nearly half an inch. New plugs gapped to .035. It started and ran great on muffs after going through that. I brought it to the lake and it would not start in the water, back home pulled top plug wire while running with no change at all, replaced and pulled bottom wire and it stopped running instantly. Checked spark again and had good spark, still have compression, plug was wet with a dark almost oily look to it. Also noticed fuel droplets spitting out of top carb when running, reeds looked good when I pulled the carbs off. Top carb also for lack of a better term "gasps" - if i put my hand in front of it there is a strong vaccum, then little or nothing, then strong vaccum. The bottom carb does not do this and seems to have little vacuum pulling my hand when I cover it. Pumping primer does nothing, primer bulb gets stiff. Pulled plugs in/on carb and cleaned behind them orifices clear. This is my first boat, and my first experiences with an outboard any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry so long
Josh
Sorry so long
Josh