Re: air cover on ’68 Johnson 20hp – needed?

[johnyrude200]

I pulled the carb, seemed pretty clean but gave it the once over since it was apart. I did replace the boss gasket and low-speed packings and slightly changed the pickup on the follower/timing cam. I was able to get it down another 1/4 turn on the needle and it seems to run a little better at mid range, then clear out after 5-10 seconds at 3/4 throttle. Motor is running cold though, despite a new impeller and new thermostat and a thorough cleanout.

This motor does not have a drain hose from the manifold to the lower intake bypass cover. It is a 1968 model, unless someone switched powerheads at some point (I don’t think so, I am pretty sure I am the 2nd owner, and no evidence of mis-match stuff). I might be splitting hairs here but it evens out when making adjustments to the carb when running cold, so I think it is good ‘nuf.

Perhaps the water restrictor has crapped out on this one too. I seem to have luck getting motors of this era that like to run cold after I make the cooling system work properly again (less, the water restrictor). Fortunately most of the people who are buying the budget motors are those with jon boats or 14 foot aluminums who just want to push a crew 4 (well 5, if you could the cooler full of beers) and troll all day long with a light motor. They aren’t the types that are fishing in freezing cold weather…