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2001 50 hp Johnson Fuel Issue

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wilkink

New member
I have a 2001 Johnson 50 hp outboard (model 50VLSIG). I bought it about 6-7 years ago and it has never run "right". Some issues with acceleration and going from flat idle to 3/4 throttle but I've lived with them.

Just took it out for the first time this year last night and the issues have gotten worse. Here's exactly what's going on:

- Can only run 1/2 throttle. Once I go beyond that. it goes up and down and loses power.
- Idle is somewhat rough once its warmed up.
- I can run 3/4 throttle if I continually press in the choke (key button) which tells me there is a fuel issue and appears to be running lean? Doesn't run real well like this but I can get it to reach plane and run at 3/4 speed doing this.

At the end of last season I did the following:
- Replaced in-line filter
- Replaced fuel/water separator element
- Checked all hoses and fuel bulb (good)
- Ran full can of OMC Engine Tuner through the engine
- used 1/2 can of carb cleaner in the carbs while at a high idle
- changed both spark plugs
- Ran compression check - both cylinders are at 150-155

Research looks like I need to rebuild both carbs. Could be an issue with the float or the high speed jets? Does this sound right? Will this fix my problem? How difficult are they to rebuild? How tough is it to set the float? Any suggestions? Is there any chance any of this could be related to the oil-injection system or does it definitely sound like a carb / fuel issue?

Just want it to run right and enjoy it for once. Any help would be much appreciated. THANKS!:)
 
Does motor run any better if you pump primer bulb when engine is not going full rpm. If it does,it is fuel pump or small air leak in line from fuel pump to carb. If this doesn't help ,carbs need to be dismantled and cleaned. A manual for motor is a good idea if not familar with carbs. I take pics with digital camera to help remind me where everthing goes. Spraying carb cleaner or staring fluid in running 2 cycle outboard carb can do more harm than good. 2 cycles need oil with fuel to keep cylinders and bearings oiled and is not really cleaning parts that need cleaning inside carb.
 
Thanks for your reply. I did try pumping the bulb while it was running and it made no difference. So, I guess my holiday weekend project is rebuilding the carbs. I read on here that I should soak them first overnight. Any suggested (or not suggested) products? Also, should I take off the bowls before I soak them? I also read to wash them out with water afterwards and then use compressed air to dry them out completely. Does this sound right? Thanks for your help.
 
I really suggest a manual for your specific motor. Your problem could be inside the bowl. Facing carb the plug in front of bowl is hiding your high speed orifice. This could be partially plugged with varnish or such. You might be able to clean this out with small wire. The object is to clean not enlarge or bugger up holes. This orifice might screw out for better cleaning. Anyway, now is time for spray carb cleaner with straw and compressed air. I soak dismantled metal carb parts in Gunk brand carb cleaner found in auto stores. Then blow out parts with compressed air followed by a good wash from a spray carb cleaner. I'm not an expert outboard mechanic just a owner of boats.I do have experience with small engines. I'd clean the high speed orifice on carbs and give it a try before tearing in for a rebuild of carbs if motor runs fine at idle. Hope this helps.
 
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