Reply To: Weak spark on 1973 20 Hp Johnson

[Don]

OK, you are losing me here. Are you saying the engine will not shut off when you press the stop button? What do you mean by “passed the kill switch”??
The engine may not shut off when you pull the choke because the choke is set up to release a bit when it starts so it won’t flood and stall.
I fear you are getting a bit confused….
I want to review your initial issue…I thought you said the engine was tough to start when cold, but ran OK once started…And started OK when hot.
I suggested you check to make sure the choke was closing fully while cranking, you reported pulling the carburetor apart….
Did you check to see if the choke was closing fully while cranking?
This choke linkage is a little complex…It was engineered so that the choke would pop open slightly once started so it won’t flood and stall easily. You will also notice that the choke linkage opens the carb butterfly a bit when engaged also to make cold starting a little easier… So, if the linkage is messed up causing the choke not to close fully while cranking, or if it is not opening the butterfly slightly when engaged, it will be tough to start cold….