1989 Johnson 6hp 2 stroke startup procedure

Very simply put I show the start up procedure of my 1989 Johnson 6 hp two stroke outboard motor.

[@mmg781]

I have a 1985 Sailmaster version of this engine. The pull knob on mine is a choke, not a primer. With the cover pulled you can see the knob operating the carb butterfly valve. Also, my engine has a throttle/starter cord interlock so that the throttle has to be at idle for the starter cord to pull. This is actually a smart feature to prevent "whiskey throttle" if you left it in gear!

[@subhastheboss]

Very nice. We used to own a 5 HP British Seagull, number of 9.9 Evinrude and Johnson. Thanks for posting.

[@mariopuzo4509]

Just got Evinrudes version . Been fishing for 30 years ...from shore. This helped out a lot my guy. Thanks

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Garth Algar great news! i hope it treats you well and never leaves you stranded.

[@racerx606]

Just a quick tip for anyone reading. DO NOT put it to WOT to start. That grinding noise on the pull was the sound of the dogs slipping on the recoil, not meshing together. It has a safety feature that will lock the recoil in WOT. That has been broken on this particular motor from stripping the gears. Eventually, it will fail and leave you stranded.

[@jesusaguirre7755]

I was going say something too, my 89 8HP locks out if its not in the neutral\home position.

[@nicolasguyader3635]

Thanks mate. Nice bike by the way.

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Nicolas Guyader thank you. Unfortunately, no longer mine.

[@insolentstickleback3266]

I was thinking the same, what bike was it?

[@jasonkendrick505]

Thanks for posting!

[@davidfishferrell]

Clean little motor

[@nesco713]

Thanks, just bought a jon boat with same model motor but 8 hp.

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

fantastic news. I hope it treats you well and runs for years!

[@obiwancannoli3709]

A factory spec 50 to 1 gas oil ratio is 1 pint of oil to 6 gallons of gas. However, if you do the math, 1 pint (16 oz) to 6 gallons (768 oz) is actually 48 to 1.

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

So that's a primer? I've seen alot of videos saying that's a choke. Also is your primer/choke connected to your carb?

[@lanesbp]

Great video! Couple things, most of those motors have a starting position on the tiller so you don’t need to start WOT. Also, why do you run 45:1? That motor is 50:1 isn’t it?

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback. I typically run more oil in my 2 stroke engines because Id rather fowl a plug than bake the engine from not running enough. My measurements are also approximate, not “precise measured”.

[@bede2218]

I have a 90 6hp, was running great. Dont know wha happened but it starts with primer then when I take it off it revs high then dies. Please help.

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Sounds like maybe its running lean? Clean the carb(s) and make sure the needles and jets are clear of debris? Good luck!!

[@kiphansen2458]

Hey Nick -- I have this engine on my sailboat. It starts just great when cold -- but is nearly impossible to restart when fuly warmed up. What is the proper warm start procedure? What do I do if I have flooded it?

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Hi Kip, thanks for the comment. First, I will say that I am not a mechanic, so my advice should be taken with a grain of salt. I personally would consider a few things. Make sure you aren't using the choke when it is warm. I have always used a small propane torch to help w flooded small engines. Remove the spark plug, and light the torch, be sure you are clear from the cylinder port, and nothing flammable is nearby like more fuel or anything like that, briefly flash the cylinder port with the torch and that will burn any unburnt fuel inside meanwhile causing a small flame blowout to shoot out of the spark-plug hole (that's why I say be careful as it is a live flame).... consider checking or replacing your spark plug as it may not be gapped properly, and may be old/gummed up with oil and not functioning properly. I've also had success with starting engines (usually cold) that are being finicky, by pulling the spark plug, and giving it a shot of flame from a torch to get it hot. Quickly screwing it back in the cylinder port, and trying to start the engine then...the added heat will assist with initial combustion. Please use due caution, and I wish you luck Kip! Safe travels, I hope this helps.

[@kiphansen2458]

@@NickDonovanOutdoors Nick -- Thanks for the advice. This engine will start right up if I allow it to cool completely -- about an hour, with the cowl removed.

[@Kagemanden]

Hey Nick, maybe you can helt me out here.. I have a 10 hp 2 stroke mercury with primer.. Im having trouble starting.. do i need to push the primer couple of times and then in again before i pull the rope?? Actually bought a 4 stroke now but really wanna learn whats going on with the 2 stroke that is still on my boat atm... thanks from Denmark, Casper

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

hi Casper, I haven't had any experience with those motors. I've had experience with the choke type where you pull out the choke and it has 3 clicks/positions, and you can twist it as well. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. Good luck.

[@oznunez3750]

Hi nick i have the same exact outboars i just bought, my question is for the fuel is it 50 to 1 ration

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Hi Oz, thanks for the comment and congrats on the motor. I believe they are intended for a 50:1 ratio for oil, however I always tun mix fuel engines a tad richer with the oil, Id rather foul a plug than seize the engine by inadvertently mixing it too lean.

[@barrydouglas3137]

Hello. I just bought a '88. What do you recommend I do to it to keep it running good. I started it. It runs fair. Runs okay. But I feel I can make it better. Any suggestions would be helpful on this model

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Barry Douglas hi Barry, thanks for your comment. Heres what I would recommend without having any idea of how mechanically confident or capable you might be: Put a fresh set of plugs in it. Make sure theyre gapped to the proper specs Take the carb apart and make sure your needles are clean, and the carb is free from gunk; after sitting for months without use, they can get gummed up pretty good, especially when using mixed fuel. Speaking of mixed fuel, you might consider running a slightly more rich mix ratio than what your motor calls for. its cheaper to replace a fowled plug than a seized engine. Also, Id make sure your impeller and seals and lower leg oil are all good to go. If you dont see a nice strong stream of water coming out the back side when the engine is running, it may indicate the impeller is weak or not working at all. Best of luck!

[@barrydouglas3137]

@@NickDonovanOutdoors thanks I sure will.

[@peterles9254]

I bought a 1989 one how is it meant to look and run

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

peter les Hi Peter, Im not entirely sure I follow what you are asking.

[@keck739]

He say it are good.

[@juancontreras9315]

Hey nick! What should I do if it starts but dies after releasing the throttle? I have a 2 stroke Johnson

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

juan contreras hi Juan, Im not a mechanic by any means, but I would be concerned that its not getting fuel. Have you done any work to the carb? The jets may need to be cleaned. I hope you are able to solve the problem.

[@fidelayala6026]

Do you gotta keep the primer all the way out when you go to start it and push it back in when it warms up?

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

The primer is typically in and secured so it doesnt creep out. Checklist indicates 2 primes to start but thats also temp dependant and because its a flying club/school the bird is often flown back to back.

[@h-townfishing1382]

Hey I have the same engine and I have trouble starting it but when it starts it runs great. Any tips or something you may know?

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

Hey Nick, I'm not 100% certain but it could be one of a number of things, and again, i'll express, i'm NOT a mechanic. Could be needing a good carb clean, not getting enough fuel, maybe the plug(s) are bad? Not gapped properly? Maybe theres compression issues? Do what you are comfortable with by yourself, but I'd consult a marine mechanic for a more precise approach. Good luck!!

[@daveberry9922]

chuck it of a cliff

[@h-townfishing1382]

dave berry Lolol

[@matthewtE]

Oohhh, neutral position when starting it lol oops

[@jvalentine8376]

Too much oil . I have this exact same motor and I run mine on BP High Tide 2 stroke oil at 60 to 1 mix and can go to 100 to 1 . If you are running too much oil and stopping and starting a lot or slow motoring then the plugs can oil up and it happened to me using 50 to 1 gas station 2 stroke mix . I would beg to differ that the knob is a choke not a primer , the fuel line bulb is the primer . I would say you have to start yours with the throttle wide open because it's too much oil in the mix . Mine starts cold or hot with no throttle .

[@skabootykat]

would an 84 model be worth $500?

[@NickDonovanOutdoors]

skabootykat i suppose it would depend on its condition and the market. Also, canadian or us ?? I picked this one up for $300cdn

[@skabootykat]

it's us dollars. guess it might be a little high unless maybe he might go $450 or $425. new motors have become insanely high for just a 2.5 horsepower.

[@ct1762]

yes if its got a new waterpump and gear oil and it runs well..

[@ct1762]

got an 87' 6hp for $200. had the driveshaft stuck into the crank end. took me alot of pounding to get it off. had to remove the powerhead. luckily had a spare short lower unit for it. new gaskets and waterpump. runs 100%. NOTE: IF YOU HAVE THE PRIMER SYSTEM FOR THESE, ONLY PULL IT ONCE OR YOU WILL FLOOD THE MOTOR AND NEVER GET IT TO FIRE.

[@outbackcountry512]

Just paid $500 CAN .for a 1973 model that's absolutely mint with original paperwork and receipt from original owner , he used it one season and stored it ever since , again condition is everything

[@7979kelly]

Put the hose IN the water.... omg

[@838beb]

7979kelly hahaha no shit

[@jeaservices]

Just a fun fact, you shouldn't use fuel much older than 30 days.

[@davidhefner5668]

Its not a magic trick.