Johnson 2.3 Will not start!

Tarwddu

Cadet
Joined
Nov 24, 2012
Messages
14
I just bought a Johnson 2.3hp motor it is in immaculate condition hardly been run at all (AFAIK) and been told not even been broken in. Has been standing in a dry area for some time.

S/n number of engine is 09370277
Model number BJ2REU(D)
Year 1997

The problem i have is that i can't start it.

This is what i have done: -


**Checked the spark and there is one.
**Removed the fuel tank and fuel leads to check for fuel flow, all good
**Fuel vent is open on the top! :)
**Cleaned the spark plug for good measure
**heated the spark plug and tried to start it no good


the only thing i think it can be in the carb, but i know very little about them so a few questions.

1) If i take the spark plug out of the block and pull it a few times should i see any trace of fuel being ejected?

2) How can i tell if fuel is going through the carb without rebuilding it (am assuming i can't)

3) what should i check for if i dismantle the carb?, is it just taking the bowl off then clearing all the gunk out if there is any?

4) having done some reading tonight could it be a stuck float that is not drawing fuel?

Over to the experts, i thank you all in advance for any help you can give me!!

Tarwddu
 

hardwater fisherman

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 19, 2010
Messages
1,725
Re: Johnson 2.3 Will not start!

maybe try spraying a little mixed fuel in the carb and see if trys to start. if you cant get to carb easily take out the spark plug and spray a little fuel in the cylinder. if you clean the carb you need to clean all the little passages like for your high speed jets and your low speed needle if you have one. to check the float you hold the bowl upside down and it should be level with the lip of the bowl. i noticed you have a filter located just where the gas exits the tank you might want to look at that also. and is there a primer bulb of some type? just some thoughts good luck.
 

dazk14

Ensign
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
966
Re: Johnson 2.3 Will not start!

Are you fully choking it? throttle open?

You can remove the drain screw under the carb bowl and see if fuel has made it to the bowl and whatever crud flows out.

Add fuel mix thru carb or spark plug as mentioned by hardwater. It'll likely start. Sometimes it'll rattle loose a stuck float.
 

Tarwddu

Cadet
Joined
Nov 24, 2012
Messages
14
Re: Johnson 2.3 Will not start!

Are you fully choking it? throttle open?

You can remove the drain screw under the carb bowl and see if fuel has made it to the bowl and whatever crud flows out.

Add fuel mix thru carb or spark plug as mentioned by hardwater. It'll likely start. Sometimes it'll rattle loose a stuck float.

thank you both for the info, i am doing throttle at start and choke closed as per the owner manual cold start instructions should i be doing something different?
 

pn

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 20, 2013
Messages
374
Re: Johnson 2.3 Will not start!

at the top of the page there is a sticky on reviving old motors, even though yours is new it hasn't been run in a minute. read, get dirty, repost.
 

Tarwddu

Cadet
Joined
Nov 24, 2012
Messages
14
Re: Johnson 2.3 Will not start!

OK so after a days worth of tinkering reading the posts above the FAQ in the sticky section, and a Youtube video on carb needles, i have been able to start my OB, and now it runs like a little gem Thanks for all the support. Time to break it in gently now!

As Always thank you for the help and support

Kind Regards
Tarwddu
 
Top