Loose low speed needle bushing

[robotmark]

Hi folks, I was tuning up the carb on my 1971 40 hp Johnson (model 40ELL71B) for spring and noticed that the bushing on the low speed needle valve assembly is loose. If I tighten the needle so that I can then back it out to right specs in the manual, the needle and bushing just spin inside the shaft. I have to pull the whole thing out and start over. I could order a new bushing, which isn’t a big deal but I also wonder if the issue is not enough/too much packing. Has anyone had this trouble before, and if so, what did you end up doing?

Thanks!

[frankr]

No problem.  Pre-assemble the nut, packings, and bushing onto the needle.  Have the needle backed out of the bushing more than the final setting will be.  Poke the whole thing into the carb.  Tighten packing nut enough to make the bushing stop spinning.  Turn the needle in till lightly seated and back it out to preliminary setting.  finish up with tightening the packing nut to hold everything snugly after final adjustment.

[robotmark]

Great advice. I’ll give it a try! I always have everything in the hole and thread the needle last. I like the idea of the pre-assembly. Thanks so much 🙂

[Mumbles]

Also make sure the concave end of the sleeve faces the packing.  It must also spin freely on the needles threads.  If the threads of either need chasing to clean them up, the thread pitch is  usually 1/4 X 40.

[robotmark]

Just wanted to say thanks, everyone! It’s been raining non-stop for the past six weeks, but I was finally able to take it out for a run yesterday. That little Johnson ran the best it ever has. We were flying across the lake. Thanks again!

[crosbyman]

great news  thanks for your feedback . .. TLC and 40 more years to go  !

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[Tubs]

Sounds like your in Maine.
Tubs.

A "Boathouse Repair" is one that done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.

[robotmark]

Nope, I’m in Colorado which is not exactly famous for its boating! I’m originally from New Hampshire, though, and that’s where my dad had his vintage outboard collection that got me started.

[Author]

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