1974 50 HP Johnson Fuel Problems?

[leachim]

I bought this engine and having what looks like fuel problems. Here is what I've done already:

Cleaned and rebuilt carbs and set them to factory specs (5/8 turns). Making sure to clean the jet holes.
Made sure the carbs were synced.
Replaced fuel pump.
Checked all fuel lines for leaks.
Cleaned and gaped spark plugs to .040 in.
Checked for good spark and it had consistent blue sparks at 1/2 in.
Replaced a sheared flywheel key and torqued to 105 ft-lbs.

I had the engine running fine when I sprayed fuel into the carbs then after I cleaned the carbs and replaced the flywheel key it didn't fire up at all. I think the fuel isn't getting to the cylinders. I'm going to start checking the wiring for the stator and coil packs. Can anyone point me in the right direction because I'm stuck?

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1974 50 HP Johnson Fuel Problems?

Are your plugs wet with fuel? You say it's not getting there but this is easily checked. Make sure that you have a bright blue spark, yellow won't do.

 

[leachim]

Re: 1974 50 HP Johnson Fuel Problems?

I turned it over and checked the spark on both the plugs. They are both bright blue. I started spraying fuel into the carbs and now it doesn't want to fire up. Could it be something with the electrical wiring?

I just talked to the guy that sold me the motor. I told him how the flywheel key sheared and he said to make sure the key was the right size and if it was off by just a little it wouldn't fire. Is this true? I replaced it from a key from a hardware store that was ground down and it seemed to fit just fine.