2004 90 HP Johnson 2 stroke starting issues

mmarino

Seaman
Joined
Nov 6, 2004
Messages
61
New plugs, treated the carbs with Johnson spray in carb treatment, not a lot of hours, bought used with the boat. I have experienced erratic starting problems since I've had it these past two years. When it is cold, I can get it to start by choking it, but it doesn't want to keep running. If I nurse it along, choke it off and on, play with the throttle, it will come around. Lots of smoke while idling and idling in gear. I could run it for quite some time at 3/4 to full throttle, completely warm it up, turn it off do some fishing, and maybe a half hour later, it might no want to start. On the other hand, at times it will start right up and take off like it is supposed to. When it goes through one of its hard starting cycles, getting it started and putting it in gear will cause it to die upon puttting it into gear. While trying to restart it, it can act as if it is not getting gas, as if it was a completely cold start. Sometimes choking helps sometimes not. When I finally do get it started, there is a lot of smoke associated with it running until I get finally get it up to high RPMs. Runs really well at high speed. Runs rough at idle in neutral, a little rougher idling in gear.
Any help or links you could direct me to would be of great help.
Thanks, Marty
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: 2004 90 HP Johnson 2 stroke starting issues

Sounds like it needs a complete going over.
Spray cleaner for carbs is a waste, they have to be removed and taken apart, then run wire thru the jets and now use your cleaner. Re-assemble with new carb kits.

Cold engines usually need choking to keep the rpm up until they warm up.
It sounds like your idle rpm is set too low but don't fiddle with it until the carbs are rebuilt. Stalling when put in gear is typical of low rpm.
The other symptoms point to dirty carbs.
Install a water seperator if you don't have one too.
 

mmarino

Seaman
Joined
Nov 6, 2004
Messages
61
Re: 2004 90 HP Johnson 2 stroke starting issues

A big Thank You for the reply. I appreciate the knowledge and the time you took to help me out.
I was thinking it was a carb issue, but wasn't sure. Have a good day and a blessed Easter.
Marty
 
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