Reply To: 1973 Montgomery Ward 7hp clinton

[Bc1972]

Crazy as it seems, with points open or closed I was getting the same reading. So decided to remove the points to further inspect. Could see nothing wrong with them so replaced. Took new readings, and found they were now showing correct as you stated. Checked for fire and had hot spark on plug. I have no idea what changed. Put in some gas and would crank and run for a few seconds. If you have guidance on the calibration of the Tillotson carb, I would appreciate it.

I did take the carb apart to be sure it wasn’t in bad shape. Cleaned and put back together. Only thing, there was this tiny spring that attached to the float that fell off. I had the hardest time trying to figure out how it went back on. I assumed it was meant to force the float away from the base of the carb body to act against the rising fuel in the bowl. Did I make the correct assumption?? It was not easy to configure with big fingers. I did not have one on the 1958 Johnson 10hp that I took apart so the spring purpose is new to me.

The motor does need a new water pump – noticed the old one was weak when took apart for inspection, but put back together to see if motor would start. Now that it does, I will order one and a carb kit. Just didn’t want to spend money if couldn’t crank.

I also converted the fuel inlet valve to the same as my 10hp Johnson. Looked all over for the female fuel line end of the coupler and had no luck.