83 50hp johnson rough idle

[Al8429]

So I bought my first boat and it had a 1983 50hp johnson. Lower unit was locked up. So I replaced it with a used one. New water pump kit. So now to get it started. I couldn't get it to idle for a while. Pulled the carbs off and rebuilt them. There was what appeared to be parts of leaves inside it. I soaked it overnight. Blew out all the passages with carb cleaner and compressed air. Right away I noticed a difference. Starts right up and runs but has a twitch to it. Tried pulling the spark plugs one at a time. If I pulled the top one it would die right away. Now the bottom was barely any change at all. Connected a spark tester to it while the top cylinder kept it running. The bottom spark didn't seem as strong as the top. So I replaced both coils, powerpack, leads, and spark plugs. Still no change in idle. Compression test came up with both cylinders dead even 120psi. I'm stumped. I was looking at the stator assembly under flywheel and I'm wondering is it supposed to move at all? It has slight up and down movement on one side and you can kinda see it while the motor is running.

 

[Al8429]

I suspect this is the first time the motor has ran in a while. Last registered in 08. I am using a new plastic tank. New fuel lines, primer bulb, and rebuilt fuel pump (non VRO)

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

The stator should not move at all.

did you inspect the fuel lines?

after changing them parts was the spark the same or better?

 

[Al8429]

Any idea how to remove flywheel on a johnson? I replaced all the fuel lines. Havnt had a chance to connect spark tester to new coils yet. Gonna do that this evening when I get off work.

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Use a balancer puller .
there is a post just a few back talking about how to do so .

 

[Al8429]

So I rechecked spark gap and they are both jumping a 7/16 gap and both seem strong. Filled a trash can with water instead of muffs and it definitely runs smoother in water but I can still tell something isn't right. Checked timing and top cylinder was at 3 degrees and the bottom wasn't able to read. Timing light showed it on the complete opposite side of flywheel. Supposed to be that way? Havnt pulled the flywheel yet

 

[1983 ercoa 21']

Is your flywheel marked with both cylinders on it ?

 

[bonz_d]

Spark is good on both so I would recheck that bottom carb. Check hose connections and then the float. Also the slow speed circuit in that carb.

 

[Al8429]

From what i have read the spark timing is correct on both. How do you confirm correct float height? Carb kit came with new floats. Seems that these carbs have a fixed low speed circuit. There isn't a low speed orfice. Just a bolt and small round gasket. Doesn't even look like it has threads for it. The manual I have shows it should have 3 orfice screws. What would happen if someone didn't install the low speed orfice? Love buying stuff people have afro engineered

 

[bonz_d]

Float should be level when upside down. Was float installed the right way? Seeing many times where it was upside down. Check to make sure the float needle is not sticking. Had a 1975 model that this was a constant problem and have a 1983 60hp that is very reliable.

Spark is good and pulling the plug wire with no change to me indicates a fuel problem to that cylinder.