15hp Johnson fuel problem ??

piggy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
113
I have a 15hp jhonson Model 15R79E s/s E5051168 that run like a top. Then it just quit, when you try to start it, it will run maybe a second if you pump the bulb first. Thought it was the carb. but it was spotless, cleaned it and blew it out anyway. The line up to the pump is open. Thinking fuel pump now. Would a pump act up that quick or am I missing something? Is there anything else that could be the the problem? Am I correct for starting adjustment on carb 1 !/2 turns open? Thanks
 

bktheking

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: 15hp Johnson fuel problem ??

Do you have spark at all times during the symptom? Pumping the bulb fills the carb bowl, they will run for more than a minute at idle with just the fuel in the carb bowl, fuel pump at that point is not part of the equation.
 

piggy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
113
Re: 15hp Johnson fuel problem ??

Thanks for the help, but I wonder why the motor would run for a second or two after pumping the bulb if ignition or spark is the problem? Not saying you are wrong,but what kind of ignition problem could act like that? Keep in mind the motor was working great and it just stopped, What should I look for? I will check the spark as soon as I get to my shop. Thanks
 

bktheking

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: 15hp Johnson fuel problem ??

Could be a loose wire, shorted stop switch, powerpack going bad, lots of reasons.
 

piggy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 5, 2007
Messages
113
Re: 15hp Johnson fuel problem ??

Thanks again for your help. I pulled one plug wire and put my tester on. used drill to spin motor and the dam thing started and run. Not good but after adjusting carb it starts and runs like new. Starts on one pull every time. I could claim to now what I was doing, but in truth I don't!!! I was helping a friend and I think he played with the carb. He said he did't but!!!! Any thanks
 

bktheking

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: 15hp Johnson fuel problem ??

There ya go, glad it's up and running.
 
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