1963 Johnson seahorse 40 hp.

I had an older 14ft boat that has a 40 hp. Johnson seahorse, I bought a newer boat with a 50 hp Johnson and the old one sat for a couple years then I gave it to my two boys and that is when the problem started. Last time I used (1963) it, it ran like it was new, The first time the boys tried to use it it would bog down under load. In neutral it ran fine but as soon as kicked it into gear it would bog down with no power or rev's. Checked plugs, carb is spotless, jets are clear. Thought it was a fuel problem but find nothing wrong. Talked to a couple people that tell me it is an electrical problem, not getting enough spark. Starts easy, runs good in barrel, runs fine in the lake in neutral, no-go when put a load on it, is the best I can discribe what going on. HELP need to get my boys fishing!!!

Re: 1963 Johnson seahorse 40 hp.

try changing the fuel priming bulb seemed to fix my similar problem

Re: 1963 Johnson seahorse 40 hp.

Do you mean the bulb on the line from tank to engine? It has all been new stuff on that end. And for anyone else reading this I noticed the way I worded the post, the engine is 1963 not the year it was last used. lol

Re: 1963 Johnson seahorse 40 hp.

Pump the primer bulb when it's bogging down, if it picks up and runs...check the fuel system tank to carb. Could be running on one cylinder too, do you have good spark and sure it's running on both cylinders? If it's never had new coils, could be due for one or both of those...they crack and playout with age. Check the Top Secret File at the top of this forum for a carb run down.