58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Greeting All Experts;
I think I visited here last year for help which was very informative. My problem is I refurbed all that is usual; points, condensers,coils, carb kit with new plastic float. Cleaned carb and all passages. Float is set level with gasket when upside down. Spark jumped 1/4'' gap, compression 75+ on both.
Last week I managed to get it running with a little shot of mix into the carb throat. Ran it in the tank for about 45 minutes to set the high and low speeds. WOT was very responsive and slow speed would not go down all the way to the SLOW mark on the handle but it was idling very good at the slowest I could get it. Next day started up again without help, let it run until it was warm enough. Tried to start yesterday (about 5 days later) on its own, no go. I noticed fuel dripping out the carb under the choke plate. Pressure tank is all new top housing, push button model. Fuel in glass bowl also, new mix proper ratio. I didn't write down my High and Low speed needle positions, sorry for that. So, what do I need to do to get her running unassisted. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Donald

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

im no expert, but id look into a stuck float/obstruction in the float needle seat. dont pay a whole lotta attention to the slow/shift/start marks on the tiller, after you use it a few times you will know exactly where to put the grip for cold and warm starts. ( i have a cd-14 in a barrel as we speak!)

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Does the primer button on the tank prime the system?
Is the choke plate in the carb closing completely?
The ststic setting for the low speed needle valve should be 1 1/4 turn out from lightly seated.

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Thanks nwcove and Daviet for the quick responses. Just got back in from trying your suggestions and double checking everything. Removed carb and took apart to check float/needle operation, seemed OK as they are brand new. Upon checking the needles from previous test, High speed seemed almost closed completely. Could that be part of the no start issue ? I read somewhere else that the High speed setting also is part of the start operation. Put everything back together, opened Low 1 1/4 turn, High 1 turn, choked it, no go and again fuel running out the carb throat. One shot of starting fluid then it started with choke on at START. It ran a little rough and I didn't have more time to smooth it out. Also, now that I think about it, last week I took the plugs out and gave the cylinders a shot of fuel mix and it started on the first pull. So, I hope with this info, I can keep going on this project. Great little motor I don't want to give up on.
Thanks again,
Donald

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Hi donald. It sounds like you definitely have a fuel delivery issue and fuel out of the carb throat usually means it's flooding. Here is a great link to help you get the carb dialed in. Be sure you're running at least 24:1 mix too.

http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repa...hnson 5.5 HP 1954-1964 Carburetor Tune-UP.htm

http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/Johnson/default.htm

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Sounds like a float/needle issue if fuel is running out the front of the carb. When upside down, adjust the float a little higher than parallel, so it closes the needle a little sooner. Test it before re-installing it. With the carb right-side-up, you should be able to blow air through the fuel inlet. With the carb upside-down, no air should pass.

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

lindy46 and kfa403;
Thanks for stopping by. Just the info I was going to ask questions about. Should I reuse the old needle maybe ? I've seen some posts where people had issues with the new black-tip needles. Just one more question on the float adjustment. With the bottom upside down, adjust away from the bowl or down towards the bowl. Sorry for all the questions but this is new to me and I just need to minimize the posts. Hopefully, what you people have taught me I can offer others advice.
Thanks again,
Donald

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

with the carb upside down, you would want the float to be no longer level, but slightly higher on the non hinged end. that way the needle will seat a bit sooner when the bowl fills with fuel. jmo, but id stay with the new needle and seat that came in your kit, as the old one probably does not have the slot for the spring clip which pulls the needle out of the seat when the fuel level in the bowl drops a bit.

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Thanks nwcove;
That's what I thought was the correct level. Thanks for the help. Won't get to it tonight but I hope someone checks back in again. If I can get this solved I'll post back either way.
Thanks again,
Donald

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

thats not the correct level, but the old motors can be a bit cranky. correct float level... is level with the carb body upside down. but the old motors can be cranky, and adjusting the float , as mentioned, could solve your problem. good luck, and plz do post back!

tim

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Greetings again to all who stopped by;
Success!!! I took nwcove's last tip. The float is almost 3/8'' off level. Buttoned it back up, did lindy46's air test. Back on the motor,choked at START, 1 pull she goes. Was getting late and the boys were all wired up so best to call it a night. All I need to do now is get the needles set and I can put it on the 12' Aerocraft fiberglass boat and off to Lake Wallenpaupack for walleyes. I truly appreciate all the help.
Donald

Re: 58 Johnson CD-15:advice for starting issues

Glad you got it fixed, good luck on the fishing.