Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

[chokd]

I have a small johnson 6hp that will crank fine, but only run with the choke on. As soon as I push it in, it tries to die. Any help

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

sounds like a pretty good indication the carb may need a good cleaning or be due for rebuilding. But look for something simple first. Make sure the tank and line are OK (no blockages -- gas flowing freely) and make sure the vent is open. You can try a little carburetor cleaner sprayed directly into the mouth of the carb (could very well be a clogged jet). If the engine runs only with full choke, you know it is not getting the gas it needs. That is your starting point.<br /><br />I'm also becoming a firm believer in the need for fresh gas -- based on recent experience. Symptoms can be similar to what you are describing. Start with a fresh tank, and then begin troubleshooting.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[chokd]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

I put fresh gas in last weekend and used some b12 where I could, but that didnt help. Crazy thing is driving me crazy. I had a tune up less than a year ago. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[chokd]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

If anyone has anymore suggestions, please reply.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

Hi Chokd,<br /> Spraying carb cleaner down the throat of a carb does absolutely nothing to help clean the carb. You're going to have to take the carb off and completely disassemble it. Not as daunting a task as it may sound. If you have a digital camera, take some pics along the way as a reference. THere might even be a general service manual in your local library. In any case, the jets inside the carb are likely plugged up and the only way they're going to get unplugged is if you get in there and clean them out...<br />- Scott

 

[chokd]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

Thanks! Thats about the only thing I havent tried. Guess I have a weekend project now. Thanks again...

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

I have a 1988 6 hp johnson and the carb is really finicky about stale gas and also hard to clean and rebuild. Seems like the slightest mistake on reassembly will cause you problems. The rebuild kit is only $20 from the dealer. I'd buy it and then take your time on the rebuild or you'll do it three times like I did. Still don't know what I did wrong the first two times.

 

[chokd]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

Thanks for the suggestion. At this point I have nothing to lose......Thanks Again

 

[Bondo]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

if the carb kit isn't your cure... another possibility is the crankcase seals... if they leak, you don't get the proper vacum...<br /><br />just a thought....

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

You might not need to rebuild the carb (although somebody can make the reasonable case for doing so if you have the thing off and have a kit in hand). Removing the bowl is easy to figure out, and that should give you access to a jet that gets clogged. You may find that the bottom of the bowl is full of gunk (technical term). I use carb cleaner, my thumb, rags and wire (also toothpicks and needles). But be a little careful and don't enlarge any openings -- just clean. Blockages aren't that subtle when you are into it. You really should use another gasket when bolting the carburetor back in place, but if you have been very careful you might get away with the old one (can't leak air or gas, even a little, or the engine won't run right).<br /><br />It strikes me that you could also have a fuel pump issue (maybe only the fuel pump). The way to check is to disconnect the fuel pump hose at the carburetor. Check first to make sure gas squirts out when you squeeze the bulb (checking for blockages). Then see if gas is being pumped when the engine is cranked. If you haven't pulled the carburetor yet, check the function of the fuel pump first.

 

[chokd]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

Thanks for all the good information. glad I found this website. Surely I can get it going with this many things to check. Thanks Again.

 

[Basser62]

Re: Johnson 6hp, Only runs with choke on

I can't believe that I found a post with the exact thing that I needed! I used the tips and boy George it worked great teh ole motor hasn't run better! Thanks guys!!!!!

 

[bburke]

I know this is an old thread, but just in case someone lands here with the same problem. I have a 1991 6HP Johnson 2 stroke that had the same issue. Had been running great with a recent carb clean, new gas. After sitting for a month, it would start up and only run with the choke on and would then cut out. Squeeze test with the bulb - nothing. Took out the bowl drain plug, and nothing with a squeeze. Shook the bulb and free'd what was obviously a stuck ball and gas spilled out of the bowl. Drain plug back in, started up and ran perfectly. Never thought it would be something so dumb.

MODERATOR EDIT: Please review the forum rule about posting to old threads.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Shook the bulb? Stuck ball?

Not sure what you mean but yes your float needle had junk.
If replace your fuel lines and clean your tank.

Those things only happen for a reason.