Help! 1992 Johnson Tracker 60hp pro series

[CreekBottom]

Recently purchased a 92 Tracker TX 17 tournament with a 60hp Johnson model TJ60TLETD. My buddy that I bought the boat from said it ran great one weekend the next weekend wouldn’t start. I am no boat mechanic and probably in over my head on this. Drained all fuel. Removed all three carbs broke them down soaked in chemtool blew everything out and reassembled. Put a new starter on it. Replaced the plugs. It turns over. I appear to be getting spark. Spark tester and compression tester will be here tomorrow so I will know more in that. Will not start. It’s in neutral, kill switch is engaged. Primes well and get good clean fuel in the bowls. Can take pictures of anything needed. Please help! Thanks I’m advanice.

 

[Crosbyman]

J have 2 carb models which ever they are.... they propably need a good look at the LS circuits /choke etc...

try a shot of fuel into the carbs to see if the engine burps alive

if yes ...fuel intake issue to solve.


" It appears to be getting spark." better check again ! and confirm !!

 

[CreekBottom]

Tried that. No luck. I even switched the valve on the fuel solenoid valve to manual and tried that. I ohm checked the solenoid and it appeared to be in the normal operational range. Is there anything I should be able to visibly check when I push the ignition in to make sure the ignition choke is working properly? It acted like it wanted to fire off two times and then nothing. I even pulled carb drain plugs after priming and im getting good clean fuel into the bowls. The floats and everything appeared to be in good condition after I cleaned everything up. Thanks for the response.

 

[jakedaawg]

This needs to start with an open air gap spark check. Spark should jump 7/16" with a nice blue snap.

Also need values of compression test.

Post results and someone will give next steps. It's a waste of time to do anything until those two procedures are completed.

 

[CreekBottom]

Spark tester and compression test gauges should be at the house when I get off work today. I’ll post those results as soon as I get them. Thank you

 

[racerone]

deleted

 

[CreekBottom]

In addition to the above have your battery load tested even if new.-----Inspect starter motor.-----If flywheel is not spinning fast there will not be any spark

In addition to the above have your battery load tested even if new.-----Inspect starter motor.-----If flywheel is not spinning fast there will not be any spark.

i load tested both batteries. Replaced the starter and the new starter is spinning the fly wheel plenty fast I think.

 

[CreekBottom]

The spark tester I got is garbage but judging by the shocks it seems I’m getting a good spark on the top and bottom cylinders but couldn’t stand in the pocket on the middle one. Compression on top cylinder was 102 middle and bottom were 110. I found this wire issue though and don’t have a wire diagram to know where it goes or if this ground could have anything to do with my problem. Ordered the service manual today Won’t be here until next week though

 

[racerone]

Those wires are part of power trim / tilt I think.----For trim gauge.

 

[CreekBottom]

Those wires are part of power trim / tilt I think.----For trim gauge.

Ok I know that the trim/tilt still functions both on the motor and at the control with it disconnected but if it goes to a gauge that makes sense.

 

[jakedaawg]

Look in the middle spark plug boot. You will see a little spring like wire coiled in there. It needs to be oriented to stick on the end of the plug. That should allow you to test spark.

Your compression readings are less than optimal.

 

[CreekBottom]

Look in the middle spark plug boot. You will see a little spring like wire coiled in there. It needs to be oriented to stick on the end of the plug. That should allow you to test spark.

Your compression readings are less than optimal.

I read that compression may read a little lower on a cold engine as opposed to one that was warmed up but don’t know if there is any truth to that and no way to check because I can’t get it to start. All coil packs tested good and all new plugs as well. Will inspect the plug wires better this afternoon when I get off work.

 

[racerone]

Just install a new powerpack.-----Fixes them 9 out of 10 times.

 

[flyingscott]

Look in the middle spark plug boot. You will see a little spring like wire coiled in there. It needs to be oriented to stick on the end of the plug. That should allow you to test spark.

Your compression readings are less than optimal.

What would you expect those compression readings to be?

 

[CreekBottom]

I was hoping for 120 on each but not sure what optimal is.

 

[flyingscott]

I was hoping for 120 on each but not sure what optimal is.

Those motors have decompression holes in the cylinder.

 

[jakedaawg]

It's the 102 that's worrisome. Personally I prefer those to be within 5 psi. Being out almost 10 psi means something is beginning to be an issue. Just my opinion. Everyone has one.

 

[CreekBottom]

Just install a new powerpack.-----Fixes them 9 out of 10 times.

Is there any way to test the power pack with a multimeter?

 

[racerone]

A cylinder head gasket is cheap in the big picture.-----Just pull the head off and inspect cylinder walls.-----Beats jumping up and down around your motor guessing on the compression.

 

[CreekBottom]

It's the 102 that's worrisome. Personally I prefer those to be within 5 psi. Being out almost 10 psi means something is beginning to be an issue. Just my opinion. Everyone has one.

Yeah I was hoping they would all be the same

A cylinder head gasket is cheap in the big picture.-----Just pull the head off and inspect cylinder walls.-----Beats jumping up and down around your motor guessing on the compression.

could the pressure issue be the cause of it not starting?