1985 Johnson Seahorse 6HP starting problems

[plasticmaster]

I have a 1985 Johnson Seahorse 6HP engine that was recently given to me by a family member. It?s supposed to run, but has been sitting up for about 3 years. I tried to crank it this weekend, but could not get it to fire at all. I put new spark plugs in it and while they were hanging loose, I verified they were sparking by watching the spark as I pulled the starter rope. I also unhooked the fuel line from the fuel pump and squeezed the primer bulb and saw fuel shoot out. I put everything back together and pumped the bulb until it was firm, pulled the rope and got nothing. I tried a lot with the choke in and out and still got nothing. It would not fire at all or even cough. I?ve tried about all I know to do, as I don?t know much about boat engines. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1985 Johnson Seahorse 6HP starting problems

The carb is probably all gummed up and in need of a rebuild. You can verify this by squirting a little premix (from a spray bottle) down the throat of the carb before turning it over. It should fire up for a few revolutions if everything else is working properly.

 

[Robj]

Re: 1985 Johnson Seahorse 6HP starting problems

Check the carb make sure it is clean and not gummed up. Could it be possible that the plug wires are reversed? I was working on a motor, would not start, after trying for about 5 minutes, decided to swap the plug wires and it started right up.

Good luck

Rob.

 

[plasticmaster]

Re: 1985 Johnson Seahorse 6HP starting problems

How difficult is it to rebuild the carb? I've never worked on boat engines before, but I have succesfully rebuilt the carbs on weedeaters and chainsaws. Would this be similar? Also, when you say squirt premix down the throat of the carb, do you mean the normal 50:1 gas/oil mix? Do you spray it into the carb where the choke butterfly is at or what? Could you please explain this further? I'd like to at least hear the engine cough or sputter before I invest in a carb rebuild kit. Thanks.