Johnson 3.3 O/B won't start - help!

P

peter2407

Well-Known Member
Joined
11 Sep 2008
Messages
1,064
Visit site
The above won't start - again, so before sending it the great O/B graveyard, any advice?

So far, I have changed the fuel; checked that there is a spark on the plug, checked that fuel is getting to the carb (or at least coming out of the pipe that connects the fuel tank to the carb) and (kinda, but I don't know what I am doing really) stripped the carb down and reassembled it.

The starter/pulling cable thing is unusually stiff to pull, but haven't used the motor in a while.

Any advice?

btw, what does the external adjuster do?
 
I take it this is one from the 1990s not from the 1930s !

Looks like its a re-badged far eastern model rather than a genuine Johnson

It would be useful to know the model number so that we know exactly what we are talking about.

You ave checked the spark. It should jump 7/16 inch if it is a later model with CD ignition otherwise 1/4" for an early one with points ignition

Have you checked, cleaned, reset or even replaced the plug?

Will it start and run briefly if you spray fuel mix directly into the carb air intake. If it will then it proves the ignition is Ok and points to a dirty carb.


Where is this external control located ?

A compression test might be worth while.
 
I recognise that......

attachment.php


attachment.php
 
Yes, its a rebadge

Thanks for the response. Yes, its a rebadge as the manufacturer is OMC Hong Kong or similar.

Mod no: HJ3RERM Serial no H 9310585

The adjuster is below the carb, on the outside and is a screw that has a spring and when I unscrew it the other end (that sits in the carb) is a smooth rounded off bullet like thing. No doubt everyone knows what this is and what part it plays but I dont.

Spark plug is less than 2 months old, and when I pulled it out was slightly covered in carbon that I have cleaned off.

I lent this to a mate who let it run dry and had it sitting on the boat on the O/B bracket while sailing. Neither of these should affect it negatively, should they?

Haven't squirted anything in anywhere. What would you recommend and where does it get squirted?
 
you are trying to start it with the choke in the correct position arent you? Mine is an absolute cow about having the settings "just so".

If you have fuel and a spark then the engine will start.
 
I hope so....

I am starting it (or rather not) in the way that has always worked (never a first time starter after a lay up), ie low-ish throttle and full choke. I have been up and down the variations of combinations but no joy. The pattern is 8 pulls and no response, and the 9th-ish pull I get a bit of a cough, and then the little tease turns the lights off ... claiming a headache and could I remove that broom handle that is poking into her back ...
 
Last edited:
Lakesailor, if only mine were that posh ...

Lakesailor, you're just posin' wiv yer bling, innit?

Mines doesnt have the grow fatter stripes yours has (or did I mean go faster?), and doesn't have the luxury, nay dare I say 'excess' of FNR ....

Either way, the B1tch still aint avin' it ..
 
Its 1994 model then and yes the H in the number indicates that it was made in Hong Kong.

You say new plug.
Correct type Champion L87YC or QL87YC (or even an NGK BP6HS should be OK)
Correct gap 0.030" ( 0.7 - 0.8mm )

Points ignition but I am not certain of the gap (0.020" is usual but not without exception) will have to check on that if necessary.

I still do not know what this adjustment is. Something to do with the carb ?
I expected to find that it was a slow running mixture adjustment but not so on this carb
Does the carb look like this http://www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/JOHNSON/1994/HJ3RERM 1994/CARBURETOR/parts.html Can you see the screw there?

Lakesailors picture shows a hole in the cover to access something. Slow stop screw ? # 21 in the diagram
 
Thanks for the smut, but..

Yes, it is part #21, what is that for?

Again, what do I squirt and where? (stands back, expecting more smutty comments and curly wurly sniggers ..)
 
peter2407 said:
Yes, it is part #21, what is that for?

Again, what do I squirt and where? (stands back, expecting more smutty comments and curly wurly sniggers ..)
Click to expand...

LS will explain the stop screw. Just an idle speed adjustment as far as I know.

Spray some 2 stroke fuel mix directly into the carb air intake. Just as you would use a starting fluid. It's better for the engine because starting fluid contains no oil but if you have some try it ... just don't keep on using it. Or you will become addicted to it.
 
Yes. The screw adjusts tickover speed. That hole would be in the right spot See here (.pdf) under, funnily enough, Idle Speed Adjustment.
The mixture is adjusted with the spring clip on the needle. If you are sure it's a mixture problem move the needle up (choose lower slot for clip) to richen and opposite to weaken.
 
If she is a bit harder to turn over, try squirting some WD40 down the hole the spark plug lives. Also check you have not flooded the engine by checking the spark plug - I find a rag, white spirit, and a wire brush are useful for cleaning plugs!

Any good?
 
... a good fettle did it ...

Having done all the fancy stuff, I squirted some carb cleaner over the spark plug and its been fine to start since..

Thanks again for the help and advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top