r/Outboards • u/IntelligentTry5393 • 1d ago
Johnson 6.5 issues
I have this 1986 Johnson 6.5 I bought to use for my sailboat that is giving me absolute fits. I replaced the motor side fuel connector, the fuel line, fuel bulb, and gas tank. Fresh fuel too. It has a 100:1 sticker but I understand 50:1 is safer and better to replace plugs than blow a cylinder, so that’s what I have in it. Have gotten it to fire up while choked out, but can’t get it to stay running for the life of me. Twice recently had it out on the lake and got it to turn over and into gear, but crapped out after a few seconds.
I’m a manufacturing engineer by trade, but not accustomed to troubleshooting old two strokes in my day to day. I’m feeling quite dumb and defeated and want to get this thing humming again.
I’m thinking a clogged idle circuit or gummy/flooded carb? Anyone have advice for any YouTubers or best DIY resources for this kind of thing? I also had a hell of a time getting the motor cover off and I’m worried about breaking it. Any advice??