1996 Johnson won't start

[A.L.]

I can't get my 1996 90 Johnson o/b started. I have read thru the posts regarding 2-stroke engines not starting and have tried checking the kill switch, properly priming the engine (squeezing ball till hard, pushing key in for 8 count). Last Saturday we took it out, had a little trouble starting, but once it started it ran great. Had out for an hour or so, went back Sunday and no start. The battery would crank, but no combustion. We tried the above, got our battery starter hooked up (for max power) and even threw in 5 gallons of gas just in case it the gauge was not working, but to no avail.

I know a mechanic as I am quite a novice and will be shelling out some dough, but in your experienced opinion, is it the carburator? I have had two new engine coils installed and last year a new head was installed. I have also been adding oil directly to the gas, in addition to to injection system on the boat. I am wondering if a new engine is in our future.

Any insight is much appreciated. I miss being out on the water!

 

[JB]

Re: 1996 Johnson won't start

What result did you get when you did the "Outboard won't start" troubleshooting in the Engine FAQs, A.L.?

 

[Molaker]

Re: 1996 Johnson won't start

I have also been adding oil directly to the gas, in addition to to injection system on the boat.

Sounds like a new set of plugs might be due and if it starts, time for a decarb job and begin mixing gas properly.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1996 Johnson won't start

I agree, you cant operate under the assumption that the more oil the better, you have to mix it exactly as per reccomendations. Youre probably in for a carb rebuild/decarb and new plugs like molaker said, but follow the engine wont start thread to weed out other problems as suggested by JB,then let us know what you find.

 

[A.L.]

Re: 1996 Johnson won't start

Thanks for your replies. I did try a few of the suggestions in the search mode, such as check the kill switch, the cold starting procedures and check the fuses. The fuel bulb was primed properly too. Battery is OK also.

The gas/oil mixture is probably at the root of the problem. The guy that sold it to me told me to "throw some oil in when you fill up the gas tank" but I did not do so for the first tank and it ran OK. I figured it had the oil injection system and that would be OK. When I had the idle adjusted and the coils replaced, the mechanic mentioned it again, but was very vague about the amounts. We added a pint to about 15 gallons of gas, which is too much. Ran great for a while until the gas got low.

After I have the carbs done (which seem like the problem) do you recommend adding the oil at all? If the oil tank is full (which it is) ant I have primed that bulb, is that not enough to properly lubricate the engine?

Again, your expertise is much appreciated! I feel I have learned a lot already!

 

[chbailey]

Re: 1996 Johnson won't start

Is this a VRO? IF so the oil will premix your gas for you just keep the oil tank full. If not you need to be mixing 50:1 in your tank. I use this online calc to ensure I'm mixing properly: http://www.csgnetwork.com/marineoilfuelcalc.html

Wouldn't hurt to get a compression and spark test done. Post the results.

 

[A.L.]

Re: 1996 Johnson won't start

Finally got it running! we pulled the battery and charged it overnight at home. It really seemed to make a difference at full charge, plus the horn now sounds as it should. Then we had someone look at it who pulled out the spark plugs, cleaned them a bit and then took off the cover and fiddled with the choke (did not see wht he did). We finally got is started. Seems like it may have been a few things working against us, plus some operator error. Took it out on the bay and it ran great.

Thanks again to all who replied - your expertise is invaluable!