Johnson 10 hp won't run high rpm

karlashley

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Jun 17, 2002
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I have a 1954 10 HP Johnson and have replaced coils, wires plugs etc. also replaced O rings on crank shaft, had carb checked and is clean and OK, runs great below "start" on throttle setting, changes to high speed jet setting have no impact, running very rich over start position, I can place finger in carb intake and cover copper tube (where fuel discharges when primer on engine, depress high speed adjuster, is used)and engine races and runs at high speeds, not where I want my finger during operation normally, HELP.
 

Joe Reeves

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Feb 24, 2002
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13,262
Re: Johnson 10 hp won't run high rpm

Karl.... It's possible that you've overlooked something when cleaning the carburetor. However, just in case your problem is an adjustment one, here is the adjustment procedure.<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs) <br /><br />Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns. <br /><br />Setting the high and low needle valves properly: <br /><br />(High Speed)<br />Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting. <br /><br />(Low Speed)<br />Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting. <br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.
 

karlashley

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Jun 17, 2002
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Re: Johnson 10 hp won't run high rpm

Thanks capt, I have been attempting to do the adjustments in a barrel, suppose well have to launch and take our chances, and oars, is there any other adjustment that may cause the flow not to switch from low to high ? float etc. I ask because I can shut off high speed jet or turn all the way out with no effect gearcase in nuetral and throttle at fast setting.
 

karlashley

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Jun 17, 2002
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Re: Johnson 10 hp won't run high rpm

More info, as throttle is increased above start rpms build for a second then drop off and engine runs rough and smokey, rich, fuel can be seen coming out tube in carb, moving throttle back engine recovers cleans out and runs smoohly again
 

alcan

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Dec 14, 2001
Messages
2,505
Re: Johnson 10 hp won't run high rpm

Hi Karl<br />You say that when you close your high speed needle it has no effect. Your engine still runs rich and smokey, no RPM. I suspect the main nozzle gasket is missing or in bad shape. This is located on the main nozzle in the bowl.What happens is, it allows fuel to bypass the needle valve and get sucked up via the main nozzle, unmetered. Thus causing an over rich condition. When you are idling the motor the throtle plate is closed, there for no air moving across the top of the nozzle, no vacuume, no fuel. It has to get the fuel through the low speed circut which is metered. I had a merc mark6 once I couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. I tested everything, all good. Adjusted the carb by the book. Still dogging,smokeing,etc. Man I messed with this thing off and on for six months. It finely dawned on me that the motor had fallen or got bashed on the knob on the high speed needle. Well this drove the knob on the needle so far it would not close. Of course it felt like it was closing, But it was bottoming out on the knob. Anyway good luck.
 

Chinewalker

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Aug 19, 2001
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8,902
Re: Johnson 10 hp won't run high rpm

I think Alcan nailed it. One other thing to look for while you're in there - make sure the float level is set correctly. With the carb inverted, you want the upper face of the float to be dead on level with and parallel to the lower face of the carb body.<br />- Scott
 

karlashley

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Jun 17, 2002
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Re: Johnson 10 hp won't run high rpm

Thanks Alcan And others that was it, unable to find replacement gasket a gasket from a fuel injector kit at NAPA did the trick. thats the good news, runs awesome. TRhe bad news is it appears there was not sufficient clearance between flywheel and recoil assmbly a meltdown occured, may be salvageable with a little welding and a new spring, anyone know where to get a recoil ? cheap?
 
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