Sputtering Johnson 9.9

[Dan Hanlon]

My 1978 Johnson 9.9 just does not want to make it out the channel without sputtering and conking out. It is a 1978 model that came with SHWEEGO, my 1978 CD25. I have newer plugs and have checked fuel line and filter. I have noticed that when it is getting ready to act up, it starts to fill the lazerette with exhaust smoke. Yes, I keep it open. It also emits very little water from the telltale outflow, that the manual says is meant to indicate the water pump is working. There is no sign of over heating. My next step is to adventure into the carburator. Any ideas or advice?

Thanks,
Dan
S/V SHWEEGO
CD25 # 652



djhhan@aol.com

[Dave]

Dan,
Does this happen all the time or just when the engine is working hard. I would assume that your engine is working off of points and is not electronic ignition systems. If so you might want to invest in getting some new points, if they make them anymore. Usually, after twenty years that stop making parts for small engines. If it all electronic then there could be a problem with the power head unit that makes the charge for the spark. You could also have a cylinder thats compression is low or it could be a carb problem too. As you can see there are many different potential problems that it could be. I think that for a seventy eight she has lived her full life and should be replaced. Just a sugestion.
Oh, one more easy fix that it could be. Check that the o-rings are good on the fuel lines on the tank and the fitting for the engine. I have found that those dry rot and then leak air past causing the engine not to run well at high speed. As for the amount of water that comes out of the engine when she is running, it sounds normal. If you drop some water on the top of the powerhead you'll see if she is overheating. One last thought, check the thermostat. If that is stuck open it could creat some problems. Outboards like to run hot. If they don't the oil tends to gum stuff up and they don't run smooth. This usualy takes some time for it to be a problem.

Well, I hope this helped some.

Dave

My 1978 Johnson 9.9 just does not want to make it out the channel without sputtering and conking out. It is a 1978 model that came with SHWEEGO, my 1978 CD25. I have newer plugs and have checked fuel line and filter. I have noticed that when it is getting ready to act up, it starts to fill the lazerette with exhaust smoke. Yes, I keep it open. It also emits very little water from the telltale outflow, that the manual says is meant to indicate the water pump is working. There is no sign of over heating. My next step is to adventure into the carburator. Any ideas or advice?

Thanks,
Dan
S/V SHWEEGO
CD25 # 652

ddsailor25@ureach.comm

[Bill Shambora]

I had a '79 model of the same motor until it was stolen. I now have a '65 (yes, 1965) Johnson 9.5 hp model that also runs great. These motors are on my lake boat (a MacGregor) not my CD. When the sputtering started for me it was a simple adjustment of the carb float to fix it. You can get the float tolerances from the owners manual. It does not require fancy tools or engineering degree. Not getting much water out of the "pee hole" would worry me. There may be a clog or other problem in the cooling system.

Bill
SV D.Ann
CD 28



shambora@ohio.edu

[Dan Hanlon]

It turns out the Rich/Lean knob was set way too rich. I removed it and the the air intake cover. Then I was able to set it beyond the limits of the knob. Additionally, I found the bulb in the fuel line softens after a few minutes. If I squeeze it a couple of times, it keeps running for a few minutes. I will replace the bulb next and post an update. One more little item: the spark plugs require a very large wrench. I had a spark plug wrench with me that I have used on my last three cars. It is way too small. My largest in the set I had with me was 3/4 in. It is too small. Is this normal?

My 1978 Johnson 9.9 just does not want to make it out the channel without sputtering and conking out. It is a 1978 model that came with SHWEEGO, my 1978 CD25. I have newer plugs and have checked fuel line and filter. I have noticed that when it is getting ready to act up, it starts to fill the lazerette with exhaust smoke. Yes, I keep it open. It also emits very little water from the telltale outflow, that the manual says is meant to indicate the water pump is working. There is no sign of over heating. My next step is to adventure into the carburator. Any ideas or advice?

Thanks,
Dan
S/V SHWEEGO
CD25 # 652

djhhan@aol.com

[Jeff Funston]

Some of my plugs around the house are 13/16, its probally one of those larger plugs. I'm not an expert on your carb but alot of smaller motors use an air bleed to adjust the mix, just like your adjustment that you can access. Most times its a needle that is on the side of the carb, but I would not mess with it unless you are sure. A more likly problem is a dirty needle on the float allowing more gass in the bowl than should be, I see that alot on older motorcycles and mowers, A good cleaning, marking the span of the needles, ie 1 1/2 turns to bottom etc, and then reassembly with new gaskets returning all adjustments to where you found them, should clear up your problem.



jefff@pinn.net