Reply To: 57 Johnson 7 1/2 Starts but won’t run

[billw]

When you say that the carb bowl is full when it dies, how do you know that, for sure? If you mean the clear filter bowl (that Frank mentioned) is still full, that doesn’t necessarily mean the whole bowl is still full. Here is another question: Will it stay running if you keep pumping the primer button on the tank?

You could try taking out the filter and see if it will stay going, like Frank said. That is certainly easier than going right after the rubber check valves; although it’s not as easy to remove and install that filter, as you might think. On my 7.5 Evinrude (same motor) it’s easier for me to take the whole carb off, or the front lower cowl off, than it is to remove and reinstall that filter, with the carb on. And, since you may have to take the carb off, it’s not much further to the rubber check valves. You just take out the screws holding the intake manifold and reed plate on, remove the manifold and plate, and you’ll see the valves. I can’t guarantee this, but a lot of times, the gaskets for those items come away intact and reusable.

Long live American manufacturing!