1969 Johnson 55 sputters but won't start

Engine has been sitting for two years, it pops and sputters but won't run. Also fuel runs from carbs and the plugs are wet, Is it carburetor rebuild time?

Re: 1969 Johnson 55 sputters but won't start

Yep.<br /><br />Welcome to the forums Knapika.....<br /><br />Engine sets that long with out care needs carb work 99% of the time. Also change out the impeller and check the lower unit gear oil for water. You didn't post wether or not it was electric shift or not. If you don't know, post the model number and we can tell you. But....<br /><br />Before any of the above.....take compression readings on each cylinder to determine if the engine is worth the work. The compression of each cylinder should be within 10% of each other. The higher the compression, the better. <br /><br />If you feel you want to do the work, get a manual. Look at the bottom of this page for the generics.<br /><br />Keep us posted....thanks.

Re: 1969 Johnson 55 sputters but won't start

-OBJ,<br />Thankyou for the confirmation on the carbs. I'll check compression on the cylinders, but i'm pretty sure it will be fine. The last time this thing was running it was running tip-top. My brother had it then. He traded it to my dad who let it sit since he got it. I finally talked him out of it a month ago. I've never messed with a two stroke boat motor, only I/O sterndrives, specifically mercruisers. Anyway, it is the hydro-electric shifter model. I did get a manual but it was pretty thin in the troubleshooting section, it does have good instructions on rebuilding the carbs. Thanks again, and if you do have any other ideas let me know, maybe I'm cranking it wrong, anything special about cranking a two stroke, other than choke and crank?

Re: 1969 Johnson 55 sputters but won't start

Make sure you squeeze the primer bulb unil it gets firm. Also use fresh pre mix.<br /><br />And I agree on the carb rebuild.

Re: 1969 Johnson 55 sputters but won't start

What solittle said.... <br /><br />If you need a better manual and you want to keep the engine, then the OEM manual is the way to go.<br />Nothing mysterious or any voodoo involved with the start up.....if the carbs are clean and all is working right....<br /><br />OEM manuals can still be had, if interested check the site below.<br /><br /> http://www.kencook.com/contactus/Contact.htm