2000 Johnson 40 hp Won’t start

Markiemrk

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Oct 18, 2023
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I have a 2000 Johnson 40 hp . The motor was running fine for five days straight . I ran low on gas pulling into the marina, the boat stopped . I got it starred again ran it onto the trailer. Turned it off . Filled up the 6 gallon outboard tank . Next morning I could not get the engine to start . It was cranking and wouldn’t start . I pulled the plugs and sanded then to clean them off. They were only dark so I sanded til more silver . Still wouldn’t start . Since then I checked and am getting spark. I emptied the tank and put fresh gas , cleared the fuel line , drained the float Bowles on the carbs pumped fresh gas into them . So I’m getting fuel all the way to the carbs . Should the park plugs be wet after cranking several times . Could it have something to do with the brp ignition Key switch ?
A fuse somewhere ? Is it possible that when sanding the plugs I changed the gap ? Would new plugs help? I’d appreciate any input or advise in this matter , thanks
 

brodmann

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Jun 17, 2008
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426
Do you have a fuel filter of any type? If not, trash in the bottom of the tank could have made it to the carbs and clogged up the low speed jets. Unless it's a tiller, you can bypass the shift and open the throttle to about mid way and see if it starts. Are the spark plugs wet with gas? If so, you're not getting sufficeint spark.
 

Markiemrk

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Oct 18, 2023
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Do you have a fuel filter of any type? If not, trash in the bottom of the tank could have made it to the carbs and clogged up the low speed jets. Unless it's a tiller, you can bypass the shift and open the throttle to about mid way and see if it starts. Are the spark plugs wet with gas? If so, you're not getting sufficeint spark.

I got the proper oem champion spark plugs today gapped them correctly . Still nothing . The plugs were not wet . I tried putting starter fluid in on chamber and then put the plug back in . Nothing . How do i bypass bypass the shift ? Is it next to the carb ?
How about using staring fluid ? I feel like i Im overlooking something , fuse , loose connection. ? Could it be a faulty ignition switch ?
 

Crosbyman

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carb gets fuel it seems ....plugs are firing...it seems

..when was the carb serviced last ? ... doesn't take much to suddenly plug up the jets , orifices , idle needle .

try feeding the fuel mix directly into the carb face with a spray bottle and see if you get a reaction.
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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Pushing the key in and holding it in while cranking it over ?----Does electric primer valve click when key is pushed in ?----Checked filter on electric primer valve?
 

Markiemrk

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Oct 18, 2023
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Pushing the key in and holding it in while cranking it over ?----Does electric primer valve click when key is pushed in ?----Checked filter on electric primer valve?

The push to choke clicks when I push the the key in . Where is the filter in electric primer valve ? I checked the white filter on the fuel line and it seemed fine , I was able to blow air through it and gas is going through after I checked it .
 

Markiemrk

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Oct 18, 2023
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33
carb gets fuel it seems ....plugs are firing...it seems

..when was the carb serviced last ? ... doesn't take much to suddenly plug up the jets , orifices , idle needle .

try feeding the fuel mix directly into the carb face with a spray bottle and see if you get a reaction.
Is there a way to clear the carbs without taking them all apart and doing a full check and cleaning ? Ie spray carb cleaner , or sea foam in the carbs or as you suggested with the fuel mix into the carb .
 

racerone

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Do you push in the key and hold it in while cranking it over ?-----Yes , no or no idea how the primer valve works?----Filter is inside the primer valve.----Remove 4 screws to find it?
 

airshot

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Get a spark gap checker, cheap little tool that allows you to check spark and see how much of a gap it will jump. Should be able to jump a 3/16" to 1/4" gap, if not spark is weak.. If spark is good, add a small squirt if fuel into each cylinder....do not use starting fluid...see if the engine fires. Sound like it might be a fuel issue but check for hot spark first, easier to check off first.
 

Crosbyman

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Is there a way to clear the carbs without taking them all apart and doing a full check and cleaning ? Ie spray carb cleaner , or sea foam in the carbs or as you suggested with the fuel mix into the carb .


the very least you can do is unturn the idle screw and count the turns
remove the screw needle and blast some carb cleaner with a straw . reinstall the idle needle back in with the same turn count.

then on the bottom bolt #12 remove it and blast some carb cleaner in the orifice. use a VERY FINE wire to push any suspected crud in the orifice.

1697736570324.png
 

Markiemrk

Seaman Apprentice
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Oct 18, 2023
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33
Do you push in the key and hold it in while cranking it over ?-----Yes , no or no idea how the primer valve works?----Filter is inside the primer valve.----Remove 4 screws to find it?
Yes I’ve tried holding in the key and holding it while cranking . I hear a click when I press and hold the key in . the primer valve and I’ll check the filter is this video cover what you’re talking about ?

.
 

Markiemrk

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Oct 18, 2023
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any reaction ...see post #5
Can I spray straight gas or starter fluid in there or does it have to be mixed with the oil ?
I’ll hopefully try your suggestions along with the others this weekend ?

Thanks for the input so far
 

racerone

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Put 6 - 1/2 drops of fuel ( straight gas will do ) in each spark plug hole.----Put plugs in .---Crank it over to start.----Report what happens.
 

Markiemrk

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Can I spray straight gas or starter fluid in there or does it have to be mixed with the oil ?
I’ll hopefully try your suggestions along with the others this weekend ?

Thanks for the input so far
Anyone know the fuel oil ratio for the 2000 Johnson 40 gallon
 

Crosbyman

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try 50/1 like most modern engines .! You shoud get a service a manuel if you plan servicing your engine.

or.... .5 L of twc3 per 25L of fuel metric is easy

if you do not answer basic questions the road to happiness wil be long !
 

airshot

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Quit using starting fluid, it will hurt your engine !! The ether strips oil off the cylinders and can score those cylinders....
 
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