Re: Unusual problem on a 5.5hp Johnson 1960

[bob]

What the gentlemen stated above is excellent advice.It could also be a compression problem.Check plugs and if they are very wet than probably flooded.Is gas dripping out of carb?(a little gas puddled in carb throat is usually OK)If dripping down then flooded.If this checks out OK,then it could be low compression.Having to pulls 7- 10 times even if a little flooded is an indicator.Once it runs and warms up then it will start much easier even with lower comprsession.You can check it with a compression gauge and should be 70 psi per cylinder or higher.(you may get away with a little lower).Another way to check your compression is after you start it and warms up will it idle down nice and low?If it does,then your compession is probably OK.Also,the little donut gasket that goes over the high speed nozzle in your carb can cause difficult starting.If flatened or crumbling apart should be replaced.Good luck.