johnson 3hp 1964 low speed needle

[Tom987]

G'day i have a 1964 3hp johnson. hte low speed needle seems dredfully loose and when i run it at high speed the needle vibrates out of the seat. i am wondering if there is a wasy to stop this or find a new needle. and also if anyone knows what fuel mix the 1964 3hp ran on?Thanks

[G DANE]

There should be a gasket and a retainer nut around the needle. Try to tighten it carefully, will seal better and give you better iddle too.If it doesnt seal around needle the little gasket needs replacement.If you have the new type carb ( from 77 or so ) there is a neoprene keyhole shaped gasked pressed in, it will need replacement then.

[Paul Moir]

The original speced fuel mix spec for that engine was 50:1 87 octane gas to TC-W3 rated outboard oil, but you would be wise to run a heavier mix than that. Have a look at the fuel mix FAQ in the FAQ Forum for further details.If that outboard were mine, I would run the 24:1 from the 1963 spec. I run my 1972 4hp (very similair design with a few updates) at 32:1. Exploded carburetor diagram, click here. You can get the little packing gaskets separately, but I would be tempted to get a new carb kit and completely rebuild the carb. It's tough to dig out the old packing without sending some down and clogging up the low speed orifaces. With the carb kit, you get a new metal soft plug so you can get into the low speed oriface chamber and clean it out. Plus you get all the other good stuff (modern fuel resistant needle and float, etc).

[Tom987]

thanks for replying