Johnson 2HP won't idle. HELP!

[Richard Kevin]

I have a '75 Johnson 2HP. I took it in for a carb rebuild because it wouldn't run at all w/o half choke and wouldn't idle. Same problem occured after one or two uses. NextI rebuilt carb myself (the shop had not put in new parts) Initially it ran fine w/ throttle open but still wouldn't idle. Adjusting slow speed jet didn't help. After a short test run it again started stalling unless I kept it on half choke. Any suggestions? None of the local shops will work on a motor this old.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Johnson 2HP won't idle. HELP!

Take the pickup tube out of the gas tank.<br />Run compressed air thru it. If you can't,see if there is a ball (check valve inside the fitting at the top of the tube. If there is, remove it,and throw it as far away as you can.<br />But seeing as you have already eliminated carb as the problem, it has to be delivery TO the carb, IE; primer bulb, fuel pump,anti-siphon check ball in tank, inline and/or pump filter,or venting of gas tank.<br />To check for venting problem, loosen gas cap while under way. If performance returns, you nailed the problem.<br />Hope u find it. I know it gets agrivating.

 

[Richard Kevin]

Re: Johnson 2HP won't idle. HELP!

Thanks, 12 footer. the little Johnson has a gravity feed tank. I don't see how it can be a fuel delivery problem since it runs like a champ at full throttle. ???????

 

[JB]

Re: Johnson 2HP won't idle. HELP!

Howdy, Richard. Just parted with a '84 Johnny 2. The low speed jet is fussy as a grandpa, but MUST be clean. Run a fine wire through it, then blow it out with air. Start with it 1.5 turns off the seat and adjust daily, depending on temp, humidity and the mood of the OB Gods. If she revs and quits, too lean; if she "burbles" (in racing karts we called it "four stroking"), too rich.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />JB

 

[Richard Kevin]

Re: Johnson 2HP won't idle. HELP!

Thanks JB, I'll give it a try.