1954 10hp Johnson runs rough

gmarshall43

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 5, 2002
Messages
216
I'm working on a 1954 10 hp Johnson. It was hard to start and it ran rough. I cleaned up the carb and put a new kit in it. It starts easier now but I can't seem to find the right points for the high and low speed adjustments. I can start it but when I start adjusting for the high/low speed it stalls out. There is a muffler looking device, which I do not know what it does, that goes on the carb. I have it off to do the adjustments. would this cause the motor to run rough and stall out before I can find the high/low speed adjustments?<br /><br />Thanks
 

fcryon

Cadet
Joined
Dec 1, 2003
Messages
17
Re: 1954 10hp Johnson runs rough

That is nothing more than an air intake manifold for that motors carburator. It should not cause your motor to run rough. Try preliminary settings on the needles of 3/4 of a turn backed out from fully seated(but don't crank them closed). This worked for me on my 5.5 of the same vintage.
 

K Hultgre

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
306
Re: 1954 10hp Johnson runs rough

Turn the jets very slowly, 1/16-1/8 turn, count to 5 (to let engine react) and continue. Just finished a 57' 5.5hp and it took a while to adjust.<br />Also, for mine any exhaust coming up from the test tank that got near the carb played havoc with its ability to run correctly, solution... grabbed fan from inside house to blow exhaust away from engine.
 

gmarshall43

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 5, 2002
Messages
216
Re: 1954 10hp Johnson runs rough

Thanks guys<br /><br />I did put that air manifold back on before I did any more adjustments and it seem to run better. But I found smaller turns as Kevin stated worked best. Patients is a virtue when doing this.
 

rwise

Captain
Joined
Jul 5, 2001
Messages
3,205
Re: 1954 10hp Johnson runs rough

radar<br />Quote from Joe Reeves<br />The proper adjustment procedure follows:<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs) <br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns. <br /><br />Setting the high and low needle valves properly: <br /><br />NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.<br /><br />(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting. <br /><br />(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting. <br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.<br /><br />--------------------<br />Joe (30+ Years With OMC)<br />end quote<br /><br />Richard
 

rwise

Captain
Joined
Jul 5, 2001
Messages
3,205
Re: 1954 10hp Johnson runs rough

MIddleground<br />I was not trying to step on your toes, I just remembered reading that post from Joe and said it so well I just pass it on rather than trying to do all that typing! (And I often get things bass ackward meself! LOL)<br />Richard
 
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