Johnson JW-17 3hp bogs down

[Toyman991]

I have a 1961 Johnson JW-17 3hp that is a little hard to start but the main problem is that it will run for about ten minutes and then begins to act either fuel starved of overheated.<br /><br />So far I've put in a carb kit (I kept the old float in it) and a new impeller. When the motor starts to bog down, the head is pretty hot to the touch. Is this normal? Also, although the water outlet under the transom bracket puts out a steady spray of water, it is almost like a mist rather than a stream. Is this normal?<br /><br />I flushed the self-contained fuel tank when I did the carb job and noticed that the ceramic fuel filter was missing. These don't seem to be available anymore, can I used something else? Since I've been running it without a filter, I've been filtering the gas as I add it to the tank. Is this OK?<br /><br />Thanks for any help.<br /><br />John

 

[steelespike]

Re: Johnson JW-17 3hp bogs down

Usually the head temp is normal if its to hot to hold your hand on but not so hot it burns your hand.Most likely your problem is fuel starvation.<br /> Check vent and tank to carb for clean. Also check the float setting and operation.If it responds when you choke it it is starving.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Johnson JW-17 3hp bogs down

Hallo.<br />After doing what Steele Spike advised, you should definitely check your cooling system.<br />Check if your water inlet is clear of sand weeds or leafs.I would go as far as lowering the lower unit and put a garden hose on the tubing so you can see if there is an obstruction somewhere along the way.<br />These little engines are tough, but overheating will kill them.<br />Mops

 

[Toyman991]

Re: Johnson JW-17 3hp bogs down

Well, I think I have the problem solved. I removed the carb, disassebled it and cleaned it thoroughly. With the carb off, I verified that fuel flow from the tank was not impeded, I ran a pipe cleaner through the line and petcock anyway.<br /><br />When I went to set the initial high and low needle settings on the carb, I found that both were set way too rich. <br /><br />Apparently, the last time I adjusted them I was a bit too careful when I "seated them gently". Turns out they weren't seated at all! So when I backed them out to the reccomended starting point, the initial settings were way too rich.<br /><br />This time I actually fully seated them, dialed in the correct initial settings and it fired right up! After making the final adjustments with the motor running, this little motor runs like a champ.<br /><br />I still want to do a full rebuild of the carb and put in a new float since the one that's in it now is the old-style shellac/cork type.<br /><br />Thanks again for the helpful advice.<br /><br />John