2002 Johnson outboard 50hp won't start

hfdad

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May 30, 2022
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Outboard ran last summer with new plugs and fuel filter installed. Then boat was put up for winter. This spring had to change starter and flywheel and primer bulb. Now it will not start, fires and smokes a little but won't stay running even for a few seconds. Could the timing be way off by changing the flywheel?
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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37,829
NO----If you lined up the flywheel key the timing will be correct.------You are pushing the key in and holding it in while cranking it over ?
 

hfdad

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May 30, 2022
Messages
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NO----If you lined up the flywheel key the timing will be correct.------You are pushing the key in and holding it in while cranking it over ?
yes, maybe a carb issue? I did notice a line of oil gas mixture running down the outside of outboard case.
 

racerone

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Yes-----It is always a carburetor issue.-----Carburetor might be full of oil.
 

hfdad

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May 30, 2022
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Yes-----It is always a carburetor issue.-----Carburetor might be full of oil.
Should I start by draining carb bowl? The gas primer bulb was split bad and having a wrong gas oil mixture sounds reasonable.
 

hfdad

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May 30, 2022
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to anyone interested-- my starting issue was a broken woodruff key that's on the crank. Lines up flywheel.
 

racerone

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Usually when I suggest checking the flywheel key the answer is.----" there is nothing wrong with it ".----Hopefully you assembled it clean and dry and torqued the nut to the correct value.
 

hfdad

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Usually when I suggest checking the flywheel key the answer is.----" there is nothing wrong with it ".----Hopefully you assembled it clean and dry and torqued the nut to the correct value.
Maybe you can help me with my next issue---the outboard starts great but only on full throttle, about 5-6k rpms. As soon as I throttle done it will stall. Your thought are appreciated.
 

racerone

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Did you install a factory flywheel key ?----Did you install clean and dry.----Torqued the nut ?
 

hfdad

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May 30, 2022
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Did you install a factory flywheel key ?----Did you install clean and dry.----Torqued the nut ?
I installed the exact size key as original from NAPA. I had the 2 broken pieces so I was able to measure sheared one. Installed it clean and dry, I did not have a torque wrench with me but tapped it on as far as it would go then had buddy wedge a screwdriver between between teeth and casting and hold it so I could tighten nut as tight as I could get it with 1/2 drive socket wrench. I can get borrow a torque wrench to check it. No idea what it should be torqued to though.
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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I can not see the key.----Not all keys are the same.-----The key only locates the flywheel for timing.-----The flywheel is driven by the locking tapers.-----I do not have the torque value handy at this time.
 
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