72 Johnson 20 HP doesn't run well

[fastergun]

I have been trying to get my 72 johnson 20 hp running again after sitting idle since 94. I dumped out the old gas, took apart and cleaned the carburetor, put in an inline fuel filter after the fuel pump. Spark seems fine. Had it running, left me stranded in the middle of Deerfield lake in the black hills of SD. Currently at wits end with no more hair to pull put. Suggestions? Dennis

 

[racerone]

The term " spark seems fine " means very little ---------------You need to do a spark check -------Will spark jump a gap of 1/4" or more ???-------------------Did you replace the waterpump impeller ??--------Did you remove high speed jet in the bottom of the carburetor float bowl to clean it ??----------Have you done a compression test since it quit on you ??--------------Exact answers will get you exact information on what to do next.

 

[fastergun]

Thanks for the reply. Got the motor running for a bit. I suppose if the water pump impeller is bad the engine won't cool properly and will shut down. Will have to take the outboard motor back to my shop since changing the impeller will probably require taking apart the lower unit. Dennis

 

[racerone]

Lower unit has to be removed , but not taken apart.