Here is the backstory... I recently purchased a small boat with a 2002 30HP Johnson, J30ELSNF. Before taking it out the first time I changed the gear oil and spark plugs (QL77JC4 gapped .30). After two trips out I took out the new spark plugs to see how they looked and I noticed some water on the bottom plug. After observing this, I checked the compression which was 120 on both cylinders which I believe to be good so I don't think the head gasket needs to be replaced. I am leaning towards the moisture in the bottom cylinder being either of the 2 exhaust gaskets which I was planning to replace over the winter.
Since I do not really know much of the history behind this motor I ran a gallon of dunks decarb through the motor while hooked up to muffs for maintenance, all went well. I also replaced the 10x13 prop with a new Michigan Vortex XHS 10.5x9 to bring my RPMs up to the proper amount.
After all this I decided to take the boat out yesterday to see how the new prop would work. As soon as I started the boat in water, it seemed to idle a little rough. After putting the motor in gear and trying to accelerate away it wanted to stall out at low RPMs and I was only able to putt along at a couple miles an hour around 1200-1500RPM, anything above or below that and the motor would stall out. Previously before the decarb and prop, maybe just a coincidence, the motor ran well, not perfect, but pretty good!
This is my first boat/outboard but I am fairly confident in working on small 2 stroke engines. On a whim I ordered a carb rebuild kit last night, who knows if I even need it. I hate to throw away money so I am coming here asking for your advice and any suggestions that you might have, both with the moisture issue (am I on the right track already?) and my new acceleration issue. Anything you guys can offer would be so much appreciated!
Please let me know if you need any pictures or more information!
Since I do not really know much of the history behind this motor I ran a gallon of dunks decarb through the motor while hooked up to muffs for maintenance, all went well. I also replaced the 10x13 prop with a new Michigan Vortex XHS 10.5x9 to bring my RPMs up to the proper amount.
After all this I decided to take the boat out yesterday to see how the new prop would work. As soon as I started the boat in water, it seemed to idle a little rough. After putting the motor in gear and trying to accelerate away it wanted to stall out at low RPMs and I was only able to putt along at a couple miles an hour around 1200-1500RPM, anything above or below that and the motor would stall out. Previously before the decarb and prop, maybe just a coincidence, the motor ran well, not perfect, but pretty good!
This is my first boat/outboard but I am fairly confident in working on small 2 stroke engines. On a whim I ordered a carb rebuild kit last night, who knows if I even need it. I hate to throw away money so I am coming here asking for your advice and any suggestions that you might have, both with the moisture issue (am I on the right track already?) and my new acceleration issue. Anything you guys can offer would be so much appreciated!
Please let me know if you need any pictures or more information!
