advice on a 1969 Johnson 4W69B

[silversniper]

Hi all,

I've got a project going to restore a Johnson 4w69B (my first outboard!), which I have mounted on a dinghy and use for bass fishing on local lakes. However, although the motor runs ok, it has some starting and stopping issues that I'd appreciate some help with.

Firstly, I've discovered some issues with the mounting height of the motor. It used to cut out a lot and I think this was due to the exhaust ports being submerged - now that I've raised the motor up so these ports are above the water line these cutting out problems have reduced to very rarely. However it may be a factor in the other problem I've got - which is hard starting, and which I'm still trying to figure out the cause.

Currently the motor takes about 10-15 pulls on the starter rope to get going. Sometimes less and but not normally much more. The procedure seems to be that it only starts when the throttle is on full and the choke lever is out, but only if I've pulled the starter cord a few times beforehand while the throttle is off and/or the choke lever is in. It's not a case of just hammering on the starter cord with the choke lever out and the throttle on full until it starts, so I think I've got an issue with the fuel lines or the carb.

Once I've got it going both the high and low

-re the fuel lines. I definitely think one has got a leak because when I squeeze the primer bulb I see a fine spray of fuel near the fuel pump. Unfortunately its right down in there and I can't yet tell where. Can anyone please tell me what diameter fuel lines I need to order for replacements? And is there a better method of attaching them than the little wire spring clips?

-I've also spotted that one of the spark plug leads pulled free from its 'boot' attaching it to the lower spark plug. I've cleaned the wire and reseated it - but is it only meant to be held in there by friction? I worry that it will pull free again and I won't know.

-I expect people will tell me to clean and restore the carb, and I will do this, but I don't know the part number for the correct Carb rebuild kit for this engine. I would appreciate some help please, I'm ideally looking for the one with the new float.

-re starting procedures. I'm concerned that I'm somehow flooding the engine by starting it with the throttle fully open. I also can't figure out why I have to open and close the throttle and the choke before it will start. Is there anything I'm potentially making worse by doing it this way?

 

[F_R]

Re: advice on a 1969 Johnson 4W69B

I really don't think your playing tith the choke is accomplishing anything. But you be the judge.

There is a spring in that plug boot. There is a sharp prong on the spring that pierces the wire to make contact and secure it. Pull the spring out, pierce the wire, put a drop of oil on it and shove teh whole assembly back into the small end of teh boot till it bottoms. This could have some effect on the starting

Yeah, somebody probably will tell you to clean the carburetor. But if it runs properly once started, this probably is not the problem.

Yes, having the exhaust relief below water will make it hard to start, but it sounds like you have fixed that. It should also be sitting fairly level/vertical. Tilted forward especially is detrimental to starting.

If it isnt the hose, the plastic filter cover on the pump may be cracked. Or the gasket may be leaking. You just have to examine it and fix whatever you find.

Granted, it is kind of hard to determine the correct throttle position. I just err on the side of more advanced.

Pump it up, full choke, advanced throttle somewhat, and yank it is the norm. Yes, I said yank, in spite of the instructions in the book. Short, fast jerks. DO NOT pull the rope out full length though.