Hello, I would like to start by saying that I am not a mechanic in any way shape or form, however I'm not stupid and I learn quickly.
I recently purchased a 1976 Johnson 20 HP outboard Model # 20BA76D. The motor had been sitting for 6 years without running. Previous owner said he put oil in it and pulled it over a few times each summer but hadn't ran it. After changing spark plugs, points and condensers it started after 3 pulls. I tested it in a barrel of water and it appeared to be running fine, water pump works because water is spitting out of the exhaust. I then put it on the boat and tried going for a ride. The motor appears to be running good in Neutral and Reverse but when I put it in forward it doesn't sound like it's making the rpm that it should. The engine sounds like it is winding out higher in reverse than in forward. it moves at the speed of about a 6 horse but still runs smooth(no sputtering or variance in the rpm).
- I took the carb apart, everything looks good, no varnish build up, no wear on the needle valve or the float valve pin. no blockages or restrictions. Cleaned everying up and put it back together, and adjusted the low speed needle.
- I checked the compression and it was over 100psi.
- I checked the fuel pump and the diaphrams look good.
- I have spark on both plugs.
- Throttle linkage works fine, cam follower maxes out and carb butterfly opens.
- Ran it in the barrel again, this time i put it in gear and throttled up. Got water everywhere but it sounded good and the rpm exceeded the lake test.
So I put the boat back in the water and tried it again with the same results as the first test.
The previous owner said that the boat used to fly with the motor, and so far it flies as well as a pig.
If anybody could provide some insight as to what else I could be looking at I would be very greatful. I am at my wits end with this thing and it's about to become an anchor.
Thanks
I recently purchased a 1976 Johnson 20 HP outboard Model # 20BA76D. The motor had been sitting for 6 years without running. Previous owner said he put oil in it and pulled it over a few times each summer but hadn't ran it. After changing spark plugs, points and condensers it started after 3 pulls. I tested it in a barrel of water and it appeared to be running fine, water pump works because water is spitting out of the exhaust. I then put it on the boat and tried going for a ride. The motor appears to be running good in Neutral and Reverse but when I put it in forward it doesn't sound like it's making the rpm that it should. The engine sounds like it is winding out higher in reverse than in forward. it moves at the speed of about a 6 horse but still runs smooth(no sputtering or variance in the rpm).
- I took the carb apart, everything looks good, no varnish build up, no wear on the needle valve or the float valve pin. no blockages or restrictions. Cleaned everying up and put it back together, and adjusted the low speed needle.
- I checked the compression and it was over 100psi.
- I checked the fuel pump and the diaphrams look good.
- I have spark on both plugs.
- Throttle linkage works fine, cam follower maxes out and carb butterfly opens.
- Ran it in the barrel again, this time i put it in gear and throttled up. Got water everywhere but it sounded good and the rpm exceeded the lake test.
So I put the boat back in the water and tried it again with the same results as the first test.
The previous owner said that the boat used to fly with the motor, and so far it flies as well as a pig.
If anybody could provide some insight as to what else I could be looking at I would be very greatful. I am at my wits end with this thing and it's about to become an anchor.
Thanks