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1968 johnson 9.5hp issues

S

sabeadle

New member
Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here so I hope I am doing this right.


  • For context, last summer I had my 9.5hp Johnson outboard Model Number: MQ-14E out on the water after years of it not being used. It has just been sitting in the shed at camp as no one in my family knows how to fix it.



  • The main Issue I ran into last year right away was that whenever I turn the throttle the motor does not want to accelerate at all. Any ideas on what this issue is caused by? I had it full throttle only twice on separate days after I had run sea-foam through it.



  • Also, is there any maintenance I can do to get it up to par since it has been sitting for a very long time. Been in the family since 1968.

I am hoping to get it working like it should and back on the water. I am new to this but am eager to learn as it is interesting to me. I am going to call a shop tomorrow and see if it can be fixed. Or I might try to fix it myself if possible.

Overall thank you for reading, any guidance is greatly appreciated and Any questions feel free to ask.
 
I haven't been able to do a compression test as I don't have any of those tools. And I am not sure how to run that kind of test. So I can't answer that I am sorry.
 
Compression tester is about $40 at Canadian Tire.----Spark tool is easy to make.------Or just run to the shop.----New coils and other work could add up to $400.-----Which is roughly what the motor sold for in 1968.----I know different dollars today.
 
racerone said:
Compression tester is about $40 at Canadian Tire.----Spark tool is easy to make.------Or just run to the shop.----New coils and other work could add up to $400.-----Which is roughly what the motor sold for in 1968.----I know different dollars today.
Click to expand...

Thank you
I'll be at canadian tire today. And pick one up if they have one. What should I be looking for when running the compression and spark test? If I may ask.
 
Spark should consistently jump a gap of 1/4 " or more.----A test device is easy to make with wires glued onto cardboard with 1/4" gap between them.---Post your compression numbers.-----I am very familiar with those 9.5 HP models.
 
racerone said:
Spark should consistently jump a gap of 1/4 " or more.----A test device is easy to make with wires glued onto cardboard with 1/4" gap between them.---Post your compression numbers.-----I am very familiar with those 9.5 HP models.
Click to expand...

Awesome. Sounds like it could get expensive bringing it to a mechanic. I'll post my numbers later today. And spark results.

Thank you again
 
Well----When I started fixing that very motor that you have the shop rate was $8.50 / hr.----Now a competent shop , if you can find one that works on older motors will be $13/ hr TAX alone.
 
racerone said:
Spark should consistently jump a gap of 1/4 " or more.----A test device is easy to make with wires glued onto cardboard with 1/4" gap between them.---Post your compression numbers.-----I am very familiar with those 9.5 HP models.
Click to expand...

I just wanted to post an update and get your opinion on what you think would be a good next step:

- Firstly, I bought a compression tester and got to test it just a while ago. I tested both the top cylinder and the bottom cylinder twice. The compression was 60psi on both of them. I am not sure if this is good.

- Secondly, I bought two new spark plugs which are ChampionJ4c I tested the spark by keeping the spark plug in the boot with the other spark plug removed as well. I rested the spark plug that was in the boot on the engine metal and got a strong blue spark. I could not find an actual spark tester at Canadian Tire. I kept the old spark plugs as well.

-Lastly, I bought Oil so I could change the lower unit oil since I do not think it has been changed since 1968.plan to do this next week hopefully.

Other then that I hope this helps you all guide me on what to do next if you wish to do so. Thank you.
 
That compression seems on the low side. Take a good insulated handle screw driver, stick it in the plug wire and hold it 1/4" away from the block and crank the mtr over. If spark is good it will jump that. Spark plugs don't tell you anything for a spark test.
 
Boobie said:
That compression seems on the low side. Take a good insulated handle screw driver, stick it in the plug wire and hold it 1/4" away from the block and crank the mtr over. If spark is good it will jump that. Spark plugs don't tell you anything for a spark test.
Click to expand...

That's a great idea to test the spark. Thank you. I will try that today and post an update.

I appreciate it.
 
You still looking for answers?

I have the same outboard. We had it since 1969. The not working at wide open throttle is because the reed in the carb is gummed up.
It happens to me when I leave it in the garage for two or three years and not use it.

Either run the crap out of the engine with sea foam. I mean take it out on the lake and keep running it, pushing the outboard to run as fast as possible before stalling. A day of that usually flushes it out. Johnson doesn’t make the part anymore so you’d have to take the carb apart and clean it.

Just check the fuel pump diaphragm is ok. That goes bad too. It might be on the way out and that’s making it stall.
 
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