fuel or fire ??

[NC waterboy]

I'll try not to make this to long but with enough info.I have a 97 Johnson 50 h.p. model J50ESLEUS. I last used boat in middle of Dec. I had intentions of adding fuel stabilizer but never did. The boat was running fine at that time but I finally ran it about 2 weeks into March and it had some issues. Before I cranked it in March I changed the plugs and gas but it was hesitating a little on the water hose. I took it out anyway and it ran o.k. at idle and half throttle but at w.o.t it was no stronger or possibly less than it would run at half throttle.I could push the key in to choke it while running and it would pick up for a second so I assumed it was not getting gas. I later took carbs apart and they looked good but I cleaned and put the rebuild kits in while I had it apart . I"m not sure where the jet is in these carbs so I may have waisted my time. I inspected the fuel lines and they appear solid, also put on new in-line filter. Checked fire at low r.p.m by pulling the wires while it was running and it shut off with each wire being pulled.The only other things I noticed is a little gas coming out around the gasket at the back of the electric choke when I pushed it and there seems to be an oil film coming out of the exhaust inside the prop. I hope this is something simple to you pros and I will be greatful for any suggestions that I could try. Plan to fix choke gasket and do a compression test this weekend just in case. Thanks in advance.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: fuel or fire ??

The high speed jet(s) usually located in the center bottom portion of the float chamber are somewhat fouled. Clean them with a piece of single strand wire.

 

[NC waterboy]

Re: fuel or fire ??

Thanks Mr. Reeves, I'll try getting the carbs back off this weekend also. In your opinion does this sound like more of a gas issue than a firing one? Thanks for the help. Maybe the jets will be the problem.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: fuel or fire ??

remove the bowl drain plug the jet is behind it. do as Joe said.

 

[NC waterboy]

Re: fuel or fire ??

Thanks for the help so far guys, but I could use a little more if possible.I took carbs back off and the jets looked good , the i.d. was about that of a wd40 straw and I saw no trash. I'm waiting for the gasket on the back of the choke in case that is sucking air or something. Compression is good. I did look at the FAQ section on carb needle adjustment by Mr. Reeves and noticed he recommended seating gently then opening about 1-1/2 turns intially and turning in at 1/8 turns. I checked what I think is the needle valve ( the screw on starboard side of carb with spring around it ). My top one was out about 5 1/2 turns and the bottom out 6 turns. Is that way off ? Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: fuel or fire ??

those setting are for older model motors, not yours. your jets are not adjustable, they need to be tight. now you need to get a manual, and reset the screw you turned. they were set at the factory.