1959 50 hp johnson

[greg64]

I have a 1959 50 hp johnson outboard. It's will start up but, it starts to sputter and than will back fire and than pretty much die. Just put in new plugs, wires, starter and it has fresh fuel.

My question is, I do not know if it's running to rich, and it raw fuel that is making it back fire. Or is it in the ignition system. Coil and cap. I looked at replacing the coil and cap and points and condencer, but the cost of that is pretty steep. What the best rout to find out where my problem lies, for the best use of my money and time. I know that when the engine is running if the cap is advanced it seams to run better, but it will still back fire and will not idle. All info will be a great help...

If you have a vast knowledge of these engine, could I call you...This needed to be on the water a week ago.

My wife is getting mad a me.....

thanks Greg

 

[F_R]

Re: 1959 50 hp johnson

Is it backfiring out the exhaust? That is generally a timing problem. Or, plug wires on wrong plugs. Possibly a cracked or carbon tracked distributor cap.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1959 50 hp johnson

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=244013

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1959 50 hp johnson

Greg, Make sure both sets of points are clean and properly gapped (.020 in). They are 90 degrees apart. Make sure the timing is correct. Match the timing marks on the flywheel, recoil starter and block together then set the timing marks on the Distributor bracket, pully and pulley base together and then adjust the arm to set the mark on the carb throttle cam. They need to all be set together

Make sure the wires are on the correct plugs. The cylinder numbers are cast into the head, 1 and 3 on one side, 2 and 4 on the other side. The dissy cap should have numbers on it too I think. The bottom cylinders run a bit richer that the top ones (at least with the crummy carb I had).