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Folks,
Just had the good fortune of being given an inflatable with an older motor. The motor hasn't been used in probably 3-4 years, but was likely put away in good condition. It looks to be a Johnson, 2-stroke, single carb, 2-cylinder, probably a 9.9 hp as the max on the inflatable is 10hp (the cowling has been painted over). The flywheel spins when the cord is pulled but no ignition. I just got it last night, and truthfully haven't spent much time on it yet.

Is there a minimum checklist of things to do to get an older unused engine going? I was going to pull and clean the plugs, spray some carb cleaner into the intake and give it a pull.

Any other "must-dos"? I am a complete newby to outboards and engines in general.

Thanks for the help and the patience in my lack of knowledge.

Matt

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You'll get varied opinions and ideas regarding your situation that will have a wide range of acceptance or rejection.

Here's what I've done.

1) After removing the carburetor bowl flush as much clean fuel through it as possible.
2) Clean the bowl with carburetor cleaner and reassemble. If your feeling adventursome go ahead and disassemble the carburetor and clean it thoroughly with carburetor cleaner.
3) Remove and clean plugs or just go ahead and replace them.
4) With the plugs removed pour a small amount of Marvel Mystery oil into the cylinders, slowly pul the crank cord and let it sit for as long as your patience allows. Overnight should be sufficient.
5) As if you were trying to start the engine pull the crank cord several times to expell the Mystery oil.
6) Replace the spark plugs. Squirt a SMALL amount of starting either into the air intake. Pull the cord and see what happens.
7) Be aware that using too much either will wash oil off of the cylinder walls and possibly damage the engine; use it sparingly.
8) If there is no spark carefully ezamine electrical connections, spark plug wires etc.
9) If nothing is found to be amiss there replace the coil.
10) If this doesn't work take it to a marine mechanic.

Good Luck with the project.

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I assume you know but just in case: When started the motor will need to have water flowing through it to keep it cool and so as not to burn up the water pump impellor. A garden hose and "muffs" or a large enough tub of water to submerge the lower unit will be needed. Do NOT rev the motor much at all above idle when running the motor out of the water, even on the muffs or in a bucket.

In addition to just getting the motor running, it is a good idea to replace the water pump impellor assembly and drain and replace the lubricating oil in the lower unit.

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Gas it up and start it. 3-4 years isn't really that long. If it doesn't run well, then tear it apart and clean it as mentioned above.

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I like Ces's plan. Remove the plugs first and spray some WD through the plug holes. I assume its a pull start, so with the plugs out pull it over a few times. Replace the plugs, preferably new ones, hook up the gas and start it
Don't spray carb cleaner into the carbs. It will start the engine with no lube. Not good. Remember you mix gas and oil together, 50:1.

rich

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X2

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This is VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Do NOT spray carb cleaner into a two stroke!!! You will clean all the oil off and it will take too long to build it back up. if you remove the spark plugs, spray a little fogging oil in the cylinders to make sure they are lubed up, as sitting for a long time can also allow the oil to dissipate.

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Thanks all,
I removed the spark plugs and there was what I thought a normal amount of oil, I pulled it to check for spark, anthere was a good one. I pumped the bulb until I heard a few healthy squirts, and after a couple of pulls, it started right up and ran like a champ! Smoked and smelled like a sweet old two stroke! I love good old American engineering.

I did know enough to do this in a barrel with gas/oil mix. Now trying to figure out what the engine is. The placard says 4.5 hp at 5000 RPM. I am going to google the serial number.

There was a slight film of grease around the edge of the barrel, I can only assume some gear lube.

Can't believe my good fortune! If only someone gave me a free Outrage that had a workin motor ... That would be one for the Whaler Tales!

Matt

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By model number, looks to be a 1982 (full year just for Joe) 4.5 hp Johnson Seahorse. Started on first pull each time since i got it running. Inflatable is still holding air after 24 hours. Again, good fortune.

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Not just for me..... It is for everyone who searches this site for a certain year.

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I think I will change the lower unit lube, and leave it at that for now. The water pump seems to be working properly, and I don't want to open that can of worms at this point in my short season. I am unsure of the availability of parts for an engine of this vintage. Anyone have experience?

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Should be no problem. I friend of mine rebuilt a mid-1970s Johnson 6hp this spring and had no problem getting parts. We use Mill Creek Marine (formerly Johnson's Boat Yard) in North Kingstown, RI to source parts.

Boats.net is also a good source to determine if a part has gone obsolete. However, dealers may still have new-old stock.

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I'd replaced the impeller even though it "seems" to be okay. That's an item that should be regularly replaced after every or every other season anyway.