'87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

[markmiller36]

I have a johnson 88hp outboard that was running great until one day had trouble starting. Once I got it started I ran it for a short while (ran fine) and just stopped. Turns over fine, getting gas, plenty of spark, and plenty of compression (125psi) but will not fire. I checked electrical, kill switch, ect. Did notice small water leak at back of engine when cranking over. Please help.

 

[hondon]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Only thing left is an exhaust leak or restriction.But neither of these fit the profile of what is happening to you.Give us a little more.

 

[markmiller36]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

I have had an overheating problem with the engine in the past. Warning horn went off, and I replaced the impeller. No problems since with overheating and no warning horns buzzing. I'm curious if this could be a case of lack of primary compression. Could there not be enough vacuum to get the fuel air mixture from carb to cylinder? I did try starting fluid directly into cylinders...not a single pop. I tried spraying through the carb...nothing. Am I overlooking something electrical. I can't believe the timing would be that out of place after running so well! Please help.

 

[clanton]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Check flywheel key. Put flywheel TDC # 1 piston should be at top. Number 1 is top cylinder STB/right side of engine.

 

[clanton]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Check flywheel key. Put flywheel TDC # 1 piston should be at top. Number 1 is top cylinder STB/right side of engine.

 

[markmiller36]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Thanks Clanton for reply. I will try that now and let you know.

 

[markmiller36]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Clanton, #1 piston is all the way up and the flywheel marker is at the TDC marking. Timing should be correct no?

 

[crazyray2]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

what do plugs look like...... wet, dry new fouled...etc......what about fuel in carb throats as you crank....is fuel spitting out of carbs....puddled up etc..... is choke linkage working.....if no sign of fuel might try hand choking cover throat of carb with towel such for a cpl of secs see if it pulls gas over ......need more infro

 

[clanton]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Close enough to start. If this engine has small fuel pump on side of engine, remove the 2 screws that hold pump to block, pump bulb , look for fuel small hole back side of pump.

 

[clanton]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Close enough to start. If this engine has small fuel pump on side of engine, remove the 2 screws that hold pump to block, pump bulb , look for fuel small hole back side of pump.

 

[hondon]

Re: '87 johnson 88spl - won't fire

Check that your primer solenoid manual switch has not been moved to the manual position.A red arrow looking lever up near the carbs on a cylindical looking thing.This arrow should be pointing back towards where the wires connect.