Johnson TD-20: Looking for some input…

[xjfish]

Hello, trying to get a TD-20 running for my Dad. I have been able to find some information on the old unit (mostly from AOMCI…thanks!) but still have some questions. Initially I purchased the outboard from an older gentleman who claimed "ran great a couple years ago when I last used it"… Long story short I was unable to get the outboard started at all with fresh fuel to the carb. The carb would constantly slowly leak fuel. I would say the outboard is in fair to good overall condition for its age.

The engine does have compression and spark looks good and consistent. It will start and run briefly with carb cleaner sprayed directly into the cylinders. I have the carb off now, have ordered a Mercruiser style float to hopefully retrofit in place of the original cork one. The cork float does float when tossed in a bowl of fuel now but has been dry some time, not convinced this is the main issue.

I’m not familiar with the fuel system works on these but have a basic understanding. With the carb removed I can spray carb cleaner or fuel mist into the "intake" and the the outboard will not attempt to start or even pop. I can feel no suction at this port. Is this normal?
Does anyone know if Loyd still sells the leather primer cups? I’m thinking I should purchase some regardless if available.

I would greatly appreciate any help or advice at all!

[david-bartlett]

XJ,

Those T Johnson carbs can be finicky. Check out this site for lots of good info.
http://www.pochefamily.org/outboard

[1946zephyr]

I actually modified a mercury float, to work in a similar carb. It’s a plastic float and the buoyancy is great.

Those old TD’s are still very common today, so if you need anything, several here seem to have what you need.

Make sure that you mix the fuel, at 16:1
Points set at .020
Spark plugs: .030

Speaking of Lloyd, where is he?

[mercuryman]

The primer must work to start engine.

[stanley]

Mr.Lautner was still selling leather washers as recently as a 2 months ago.

[steveh]

XJ, these are great, reliable motors and are a ton of fun to work on. You’ll want to completely go over the carburetor and the link Dave gave you will show you how to do it.

Since you have the motor apart, cleaning the points will not hurt either.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions!

[Steve A W]

Using carb cleaner and starting fluid can damage a motor.
Use gas/oil mix in an oil squirt can to prime the motor.

Steve A W

Member of the MOB chapter.
I live in Northwest Indiana

[reivertom]

quote Steve A W:

Using carb cleaner and starting fluid can damage a motor.
Use gas/oil mix in an oil squirt can to prime the motor.

Steve A W

What he said x2 ^^^^^^^^^

[Brent Bergen]

quote mercuryman:

The primer must work to start engine.

How true that is. With no choke, a good working primer is a necessity. Sounds as though your motor wants to go, but just needs a complete carburetor breakdown/clean/rebuild. I think that most will agree, the pochefamily website is a great resource for the carb rebuild as well as other topics.

Regarding the primer washers, Lloyd L. would be my first choice. I have purchased them NOS from marineengine.com, but they may or may not have them. Seaway Marine is another one to try. Here’s a link to a business that has reproduction washers:
http://www.effenaco.com/store3/viewitem … oductid=28

As SteveH wrote, "don’t be afraid to ask questions".

Improvise-Adapt-Overcome

[crosbyman]

http://boatinfo.no/lib/johnson/manuals/ … on.html#/0

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

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