I just bought a 1969 Johnson 20HP that has recoil start. It is very hard to pull. Compression tests show between 115 and 120 PSI for both cylinders. I got on this forum, which is great by the way, and found some threads about needing the recoil rope to be the right diameter and length. Something about the mechanical advantage of the rope length, the oblong pulley, and the timing.
I measured my rope and was excited to see it was only around 58 inches, and the timing mark was off. I went to my local OMC dealer and they ordered me the correct diameter and length rope, I believe it's 70-3/16". Anyway, I removed the old rope, put the new one on, adjusted it so the arrow on the recoil housing lines up within the spec lines on the pulley. Bolted it back up, it didn't seem to make any difference on the pull effort.
I was beginning to think I was just a sis or something, but I went out last weekend with my cousin and he has a 30 HP Johnson pull start, early 90's model. I could pull that thing left handed, no footing leverage, leaned over at a bad angle. It was so smooth and easy to pull and start.
I'm also making sure I'm in neutral when pulling. I've read other posts here about hard to pull motors, and one even said they have this exact engine and their 12 year old daughter can start it. I've pulled the plugs out and it pulls smooth as silk, very easy. When I put one plug in, it gets pretty hard to pull, lots of compression, then with both plugs, it really fights against you.
I can get it started, but I'm young. I want my dad to be able to take the boat out when he wants, but I think he's going to have trouble pull starting it. I thought maybe it has carbon build up and I would de-carb it according to the FAQ here. I looked for some Sea Foam I think it's called at my local auto stores and couldn't seem to find it.
Any suggestions? Thanks a lot.
I measured my rope and was excited to see it was only around 58 inches, and the timing mark was off. I went to my local OMC dealer and they ordered me the correct diameter and length rope, I believe it's 70-3/16". Anyway, I removed the old rope, put the new one on, adjusted it so the arrow on the recoil housing lines up within the spec lines on the pulley. Bolted it back up, it didn't seem to make any difference on the pull effort.
I was beginning to think I was just a sis or something, but I went out last weekend with my cousin and he has a 30 HP Johnson pull start, early 90's model. I could pull that thing left handed, no footing leverage, leaned over at a bad angle. It was so smooth and easy to pull and start.
I'm also making sure I'm in neutral when pulling. I've read other posts here about hard to pull motors, and one even said they have this exact engine and their 12 year old daughter can start it. I've pulled the plugs out and it pulls smooth as silk, very easy. When I put one plug in, it gets pretty hard to pull, lots of compression, then with both plugs, it really fights against you.
I can get it started, but I'm young. I want my dad to be able to take the boat out when he wants, but I think he's going to have trouble pull starting it. I thought maybe it has carbon build up and I would de-carb it according to the FAQ here. I looked for some Sea Foam I think it's called at my local auto stores and couldn't seem to find it.
Any suggestions? Thanks a lot.