1979 Johnson 15 hp outboard. The trade in that wouldn't start. How we make it run again. Just TLC

In this episode I take this trade in that the person brought me that would run not so he gave up on it. I attempt to see what is wrong and see if it will run again. There were some errors made by someone but we got them corrected and made it run again. The devil is in the details for sure. Watch as I uncover little mistakes that could cost an outboard its life.

[@kalleklp7291]

Your videos helped me a lot to know all the small pitfalls of these old motors. I have an Evinrude Sport Twin 9 1/2 HP from 67 (I converted it to 15 HP). It's essentially the same engine as the Johnson (with points though). Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge with us. :)

[@richardelinskas6663]

Dude ..I’d like to live with you for like 3 months and just soak up all the knowledge I can . Don’t stop making videos! The knowledge and skills your passing on to us average guys is priceless. Thank you 😊

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Wow, thanks. I will certainly continue.

[@Archer11ca]

So glad I found your channel, your attention to detail in your videos is great and helpful.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you like them!

[@genesloan3175]

Nice save! Being that I'm comfortable working on riding lawnmowers carbs, I'm beginning to think I could work on these smaller boat outboard engines. You've shown a few of your ingenious secrets and that helps me think I could do similar repairs.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You can do it!

[@fleetwin1]

That is a great engine to take on trade....The late 70s-mid 80s models were the best of this series. Such a shame that some dope forgot the water tube grommet. Unfortunately, you installed the wrong grommet...That flared grommet is for the later models with an open exhaust tube. Installing the flared grommet on an engine with a sealed exhaust tube will cause the water to get trapped in the exhaust housing and not drain when tipped up. This could be disastrous if the trapped water flows back into the powerhead when the engine is removed from the boat and set down. I'm glad that you pointed out the importance of cleaning out the gearcase drain though, this being plugged can cause the same issues. I usually drill that hole out just a bit larger once all the crap has been removed from the cavity. Thank you for pointing out the importance of lubing up the driveshaft splines, this is often ignored. Reinstalling the gearcase is easier with an assistant. I can't over emphasize the importance of installing that shift rod coupler correctly, which is tricky on these engines.. Misaligning that connector, or a loose connection will result in shifting difficulties along with very expensive repairs.. These engines have a simple, but expensive flaw. The upper water tube grommets were mis designed, they swell up and close the water passage over time. This even happens on fresh water engines, just takes longer. The repair is a pain because the powerhead must be removed, and the bolts could be rusted in place. You may want to replace that plastic cooling telltale restrictor in the end of the hose. Without it, too much water may be escaping through the telltale hose without passing through the powerhead....Probably not much of an issue, but can certainly make a difference on a slightly worn cooling system... OK, well you see something new everyday, what the heck could have happened to that carb resulting in that crazy weld job, seems to run OK though. Those neutral interlocks can cause trouble starting because they limit throttle advance in neutral too much...

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Great information, thank you.

[@danielbrown6001]

Mj hmmmm mmm mmm mmjmmmjj long mmm jm mmm mm jmhj jhj hmjjjmj mhmj

[@gsman5828]

Enjoyed your video! Wish I had the patience and skill!

[@jciam5135]

love how detailed you are...so important to us novices

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@k6outdoors]

Love the drone footage! Good work!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks

[@dbcooper692]

pretty fancy shirt for working on an outboard!!

[@primsolllineguy8689]

Another great video! Keep them coming.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks, will do!

[@andruw-tz6ez]

I enjoyed the video. It is very informative. You sir are a fixer. I have 5 outboards and I may need to ask you a question one day. Subbed

[@sethgabbard7705]

Love the videos! Seriously a great KZbinr! I think I will do a video on my Evinrude 15. Awesome video man!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Please do! and thanks for watching

[@sethgabbard7705]

RMD Creations I’ll let you know when I upload.

[@brngrofdeth]

Posted yet? Link please! Much appreciated.

[@kkonvicka25]

How kewl is that! And I love your shirts.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you so much

[@tlgrimmy]

Thanks for this...Very helpful! I've been trying to troubleshoot a 1988 Johnson 15hp. I just got it and it wouldn't start, but fired and ran with some gas/oil mix in the cylinders. I rebuilt the carb (really gunked up) and took apart the fuel pump, cleaned and reassembled (made sure to follow instructions to assure it was put back together appropriately). Put the correct spark plugs in as well. It fires right up now, but revs high immediately and stays pretty high on the revs for a bit before settling down to an idle and suddenly stopping. I kept attempting to adjust the idle screw, which does affect the speed after 15 seconds or so, but no matter where I adjust the idle screw, it eventually idles down and quits. After many cycles of this it will start and rev way too high (runaway) and I have to pull the choke out 3/4 of the way to get it to idle. It will in fact idle with the choke 3/4 or more out, but no matter how long I let it idle like this, the second I push the choke back in, it revs super high and won't settle down. Not sure if air is getting in somewhere after it's warmed up or what. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this? No leaks from the carb or the fuel pump after the rebuild.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sounds like it is sucking air from somewhere else, either upper or lower seals, does this one have plastic parts on the carb? if so you may have some cracked pieces.

[@tlgrimmy]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Ended up being that little tube between the nozzle well and the brass tube on the carb. When I replaced it, I noticed the new one didn't fit that tightly to the point I worried it might slide off. I got some new line that fits tight and that seemed to do the trick. Runs as it should now. Didn't think that would cause all of the trouble! Thanks for the reply:)

[@martinbeville5915]

I have worked on several of these.. someone before you put the brass shift coupler on the wrong way.. the round part of the brass coupler should face the other way.. the bolt is suppose to go through the right side of the motor not the left.. also the shift rod height can be adjusted be screwing it in or out..

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You are correct on all points.

[@mrjechill]

I just bought a evinrude 9.9 that had been in a shed since 1982. You video helps.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching

[@Reefahholic]

Excellent video! 💯✅👍🏼

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you! 👍

[@nicknick1974]

Love the sound of the old Johnsons

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

me too

[@midgetrace]

Well best of luck with it . It looks really nice . would look real nice with twins on the back.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I think so too!

[@tommyjackson6216]

Some models like mine have a idle tuning control knob on the tiller kill switch .took me a while to find this control and I love it I can slow it way down !!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Nice.

[@seppi171]

One of the most neglected areas is upper motor mounts probably because of location (have to remove powerhead) but it effects affects all kinds of issues!!! Timing,throttle gear meshing and if loose enough , breakage !!

[@conjopatrix666]

So on the front you have a rich or lean knob? I found a 9.9 evinrude at my work for free. It have run but i adjusted that knob when i was starting after trying a few times, but now it dont start. I hope this video will set me on the right track.

[@dbentley2195]

I have the same motor 82 model, it is the same way on starting just stubborn, runs good once it starts. I just pull the hood to start it with a different rope on flywheel, When started with regular pull start has about 5 times the resistance when pulling that rope wears my rotator cup out lol.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

pull starts are hard on the old shoulders for sure

[@patrickreid2767]

Well done!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching.

[@jeremycbarnhart2305]

GREAT vid!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks

[@barbaradexter7317]

Hey Richard,love ur channel, but I’ve got a question… I have this exact motor on my 14 ft Jon boat…it’s a stinker to start, need some tips, I must be doin something wrong!! But my main question is looking at the right side from the front, the round idol knob, on the inside of the case it doesn’t look like it actually connects to anything, it slides and has a flat stop… am I missing something in there….sure need some help… thanks in advance 😵‍💫

[@roberttolley5055]

Hello sir, I'm doing a 1947 johnson td 20, 5 hp, new magneto's cleaned points,, rebuilt water occilater, doing carb , that's tough part!

[@mobando45]

I have a 78 Johnson 25hp and on that hole that you cleared out on the lower unit and the meeting point between the shaft and LU seems to leak fuel/oil. Would you happen to know what causes that?

[@keithbarker221]

Thanks for been honest

[@davidhall4914]

Hi, it does not seem to pump alot of water out, had a few engines where, where somebody has changed the pump after it has failed, but not retrieved all the bits of the old one, found bits moving around in the water jacket of the block and head, difficult to detect unless your paying attention.

[@MessianicJudaism]

Do you have a video that show how to tune/time a 1980 Evinrude E8RCSS 7.5hp Outboard with electric ignition?

[@ChippyOZ]

At 18:03 the plate is called a Throttle Control Cam and the wheel is called a Cam Follower Roller - only know because I have looked it up before as my '79 6HP Johnson doesn't want to idle - and just by coincidence do you have one of these in the background towards the end of the video?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I do have a 6hp and I have it for sale on FB market place.

[@dryan8377]

Straightening a machine bolt like this is a major achievement. It's one of the most difficult things to do in back yard engineering. I've done it. And I hate it at the same time. What a bitch. Great job btw.

[@paulfennell01]

I for sure would have spent the money on a new one!

[@shanejones809]

Does the water in the tank stay cool? Since it keeps circulating the same water the water will eventually heat up and may hinder performance. If it gets too hot it wouldn’t cool properly. Thoughts?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

it get's warmed up after about 3 hours of running

[@alangilbert7227]

@rmdcreations do you have the part number for the carb kit?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

MarineEngine.com is the best place to find your part number.

[@ronsteitz4535]

Thanks ,liv in Iowa will get you numbers you need.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I live about 20 miles from Iowa City. If you are close we could meet up the the exchange.

[@charliedarby6218]

This is the second one I’ve watched you work on that you have not mentioned the starter pawl or it’s spring . Both times you have not installed the pull rope assembly with the starter pawl in its correct position. The starter pawl when install correctly prohibits the pull rope from being pulled when at high RPM’s or while the motor is in gear. The mauled up plastic starter gears become damaged because someone at some time did not install the starter pawl back correctly.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

gotcha, thanks for watching

[@joemoore1379]

Could you tell me where the thermostat is on this engine? Or any links to a new thermostat and head gasket?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Check out marine engine.com

[@ronsteitz4535]

What is your feeling on using stainless props on small outboards? I have a 1996 Suzuki 25 hp.and my dealer in town says that’s a no,no. I mainly put my boat in rivers. He tells me the prop is the weakest point,and if I hit something it will take the beating instead of my gearbox.🤔

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

He is absolutely correct

[@earljones9715]

HEY MIKE I LIKE YOUR VIDEOS WHERE DO U GET YOUR PARTS ORDERED AT

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Marine engine . Com

[@davidm3126]

Is compression in a johnson 1974 15hp okay at 70 top cylinder and 75 bottom? Or is that way to low? What should compression be in a motor like that with reasonable use?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That's getting pretty low. It will still run but not produce as much power.

[@JohnnyG95660]

On my 15hp Evinrude the little L shaped connector that has the line pee out of the back has snapped, the threaded part is still in the motor. What do you recommend to to? Remove the power head completely?

[@JohnnyG95660]

Russ Gallagher I will need to remove the power head to access it properly then. I was able to source the part on eBay. I appreciate your response and offer. Thank you. Your videos have helped me get mine running

[@JohnnyG95660]

Russ Gallagher well thanks for the help anyways! 😂

[@tylerarns3997]

Do you know where I can get a carb for a 1975-1976 15hp seahorse? I need one good sir.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Those are hard to come by. I don't

[@Riskydim]

any chance you got a mid 80s evanrude 7.5 that you could show how to replace water pump

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX7LZ4KYfrOAo7s

[@pm270100]

all 9.9 and 15 out here have a 3/8 head on the case

[@paullahocki2539]

I would be happy with those 4 lug 8" tires

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

8" tires are just too small me for running 70-75mph down the highway.

[@brngrofdeth]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina "I can't drive 55"... Sammy Hagar

[@manoeljosemjfishing74]

MY JHONSON ENGINE DOESN'T WANT TO HOLD AT IDLE OR START VERY EASILY WHAT COULD IT BE I'M FROM BRAZIL

[@geoffheezen2379]

Can you tell me the size of the fuel line from the pump to the carburetor? I think it’s 3/16” on mine but when I accelerate the motor turns off. I am wondering if it’s the fuel like being too small or I didn’t clean out the carb well enough.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I use 3/16" fuel line.

[@geoffheezen2379]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I decided to try to fix dads old motor which wasn’t working. Your videos have been very helpful in troubleshooting issues. Would you mind helping with mine? I would appreciate your opinion on next troubleshooting steps. The motor will idle fine but when I give it gas it bogs down. I have replaced the CDI, new plugs (correct ones too), carburetor kit, check the water pump, and check the prop. However now when I accelerate is dies. Did I do the carburetor wrong or is it maybe the fuel pump? I loaded a video on KZbin also so show how it reacts. kzbin.infoAv4yXm1moq0

[@JohnSmith-kz1ll]

Do you sell these when you refurbished them?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I do

[@ShawmahlamaDing]

There is spoke to be a washer on the other end of that bent bolt, between the carb and that plastic piece.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

ok

[@ShawmahlamaDing]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina just thought I might let you know, just buy the same year engine, thanks for your vids, they helped me a lot.

[@ShawmahlamaDing]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina hey I was out on the water with my 79' Johnson 15 hp, and I was in forward gear and all of a sudden the prop stops spinning as fast. I was still able to go forward slowly but when I Rev it up. It did nothing but Rev the engine rpm up, while not going any faster. Any idea what might be the problem? I did recently replace the bearing carrier.

[@CoyoteRayG]

Where do you get your parts from?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marine engine.com

[@markamcampbell6340]

do you put anti-seize on the bolts when you put the lower end together?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I do typically

[@larrywexell2458]

I have a 9.9 Johnson is the tightening of the flywheel is the timing of the points

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

no it is not.

[@josephlisi6461]

I have a 25 horse Johnson I believe it’s a 72 can’t get the fly wheel off any suggestions because I have no spark had Spock rebuilt carburetor and I had no spark thank you Joe

[@matcan1011]

U need a fly wheel puller the three finger one

[@josephlisi6461]

I Broke 3 of them trying to pull the flyer off I try tapping it I even used a little heat which I didn’t want to do yes I did take the nut off

[@josephlisi6461]

Anybody out there with any suggestions about the stock fly wheel Don’t want to put a lot of heat on it and mess up to Seal

[@pauljacobsen3752]

You have dingle berrys hanging from the port side of the boat.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes I do. Thanks for watching

[@jeremy98269]

I have the same motor and I noticed last time I took it out It was not spitting water at the two exhaust ports, what would be causing this?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Impeller is bad most likely.

[@jeremy98269]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina weird cause I just changed it last year and it spitting out the tell tell really good.

[@socomsmith3241]

Didn't you like my idea of putting a quick disconnect bracket on the banana so you can use your ulterra on either boat?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

The network wiring and the wiring in general would have to be completely redone in order to do it. I'm going to give the old evinrude troller a try for fun and then probably invest in another troller. I like my boat to be just hook and go and not a lot of trading equipment back and forth

[@socomsmith3241]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina After using an ulterra for years no way I could go back to using some prehistoric trolling motor like that. Wouldn't be fun for me.

[@MessianicJudaism]

Hi, I have a 1961, Johnson RDS-23 40hp motor. I had to remove the pull start assembly, the flywheel, all the way down to removing the timing assembly (points, condensers, coils). Q: How do you know when the #1 piston is TDC on the firing stroke to calibrate the points to .020? To you have a video that shows this process? Thank you.

[@seppi171]

Go to iboats.com great video on how to

[@user-zz6br7tm2j]

hey my trouttle is stuck. any tips?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

going to have to disassemble and lube it up

[@deniseandmarkfirestine7443]

Good trouble shooting and repairs

[@georgereutov2997]

Where can I buy parts for theis 1970s Johnson motors?

[@georgereutov2997]

Can you please provide me

[@georgereutov2997]

?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marineengine.com

[@dannyev3491]

We’re are you located I’d like to pay you to tune my motor up seems like you do good work

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sorry I don't do work for others. I buy em' fix em' video em' and sell them.

[@MessianicJudaism]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina okay, then can you buy mine, fix it, and I'll buy it back?. Lol

[@willmillett]

Kelly Covey where are you located?

[@williamriley2528]

$10 says the impeller is in backwards... Yeah put stainless bolts back in that aluminum housing... & you'll learn all about "dis-similar" materials... !

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It wasn't in backwards and they come stock with stainless boats and I know all about dis-similar metals. We are in fresh water and I use never sieze on my stuff.

[@williamriley2528]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Still not peeing like it should....

[@edwardhuber7864]

Why isn't there a fuel filter before the carburetor?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

There just isn't but there should be.

[@rrrttt1112]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina OMC says the filter is the screen in the fuel pump.

[@kitokato7244]

Pls can somone help me pls jhonson 30hp just turn off and now dont wana start i can post some video pls someone help

[@seppi171]

send me a video

[@seppi171]

have you checked for the basics spark and fuel ?

[@seppi171]

My name is Joe this is my wife's acct

[@kitokato7244]

How can i get a email or something to get private chat with you or just i can send you a video i now clean a carb and now start but he dont go like i think he need ita not so loud at high speed i wana send you video but dont know how

[@fishermann2776]

Why dont you use a water muffs for the lower unit so you dont have to use the bucket.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

the water muff don't put a load on the motor. I like to make sure it will work under a load. Plus I can check for water in the gear box after testing.

[@fishermann2776]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thanks. That makes since. The guy 👍

[@midgetrace]

Try going back and registering it as Home made

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Boat has a HIN number and the DNR would inspect and see that it is not home made. You can do that with trailers here relatively easy though.

[@jamescarr9503]

I have a 1984 evenrude . I get shocked when I touch the kill switch button on the end of throttle?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

you may have a bad kill switch

[@kerwingarcia5722]

hello my best friend i have a motor 25 hp 1975 but need help.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

What kind of help are you looking for?

[@mikedurhan9941]

Great job trouble shooting and repair.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

thank you and thanks for watching

[@kerwingarcia5722]

The machine was inherited from my grandfather in honor of his legacy. I want to start the little bullet.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

get it started

[@SeaRuwais]

this vibrating in engine

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching

[@billcallaway5736]

Damn all them commercials.. I'll just go to the book and read it. I know you got to have them but you know I'm to the point when I get a commercial within the first minute I just stopped the video and don't bother to watch.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

sign up for premium and you will have to watch zero commercials

[@mikegoodwin8650]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I have had premium for a while and I forgot there were commercials. Haha. Good channel

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael curious what year and make of the banana 🍌 Chris from OHIO

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

1972 Glasspar

[@chriseisele9969]

Thank you Michael look forward to your videos Chris from OHIO

[@ronaldwarren5220]

Sick of the frequency of the commercials and their length. I know it is not your fault and I do like to help you monetize your great channel but You Tube is killing the golden goose.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

yes they can me a pain. They do help finance my endeavors. I don't have any other free will donations type of thing. Eventually I will get some merch.

[@natesok209]

i have 2 of these motors, its not peeing to well compared to mines. should piss out a lot better.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

someone installed a line that has twice the inside diameter than it should have so the stream will be a little weaker. I have ran it for over 5 hours in the tank and it works just fine.

[@natesok209]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina what is the matter with these people i tell yah. lol anyways i enjoy watching your videos. Would love to see some fishing videos from you buddy. Sub

[@andrecampbell691]

I always give a thumbs down when a video starts with music.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

thanks for watching. Free country do what you like

[@fishgrubblades9835]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I always give a thumbs up when a video starts with music. LOL Sophie's choice