I have a 1972 Johnson 6hp motor that I want to try and start.
I am new to the boating life so this is my first gas motor. I fished the last 2 years in buster boat with trolling motor.
I got a 50 gallon drum from a friend of mine to put the motor in and fill with water since the motor doesnt have spot to hook up water hose. and this is about were im ready for suggestions. The guy I got it from SAYS it ran last summer but you know how that goes. Kind of gave me a run down on starting it and said it has a real touchy idel spot.

Should I pull the carb and clean it out?

Do I need to check an oil level?

Is there an easy way to tell if water pump is working once it starts.

Check for a good spark before you do anything. To answer your questions:

Yes.
No, but use fresh gas mixed 50:1
Put in a new impeller before you crank it up.

Ok so now I really feel like a dumb@$$ !!!!

I need to mix the oil... Will same stuff for chainsaw and weed eaters work or do I need something special.

Im guessing the impeller is on the water pump. Is it hard to get to?

Sorry for all the questions even as common sence they may be! I have learned the best whay to find things out is to just ASK.

No chainsaw oil .....it will burn up the motor. You have to run outboard motor oil, something like Pensoil, Yamma Lube, Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude oil. But for sure, no chain saw oil or weed eater oil. Mix 50/1 or 1 pint to six gallons of fuel or 1/3 cup oil per gallon. Since you are using a barrel. Make sure the cavitation plate {the plate just above the prop} is at least 6 inches below water level. The reason: the water pump impeller is 5 inches above the plate and you want the impeller below water level
Set throttle
prime engine with primer bulb
pull choke
pull starter rope
Make sure engine is in neutral.

i have a 1972 20hp Johnson they are great motors. easy to work on also. where are you located? welcome to the TFF

Ok so I made a trip to Academy and picked up some oil for the fuel, some lower end gear oil, a new fuel line and primer bulb.

I looked on the side of the motor and noticed drain & fill plugs. Im guessing you drain and fill it back up like a rear end on a truck. Just fill it till it comes out the top plug.

Is there an air filter on a boat motor mine doesnt have one. Just want to make sure I dont need to buy one.

I live in the San Antonio area.

yes you are right on the gear oil. those motors dont have a air filter.

I set the motor up on the barrel and started filling with water. Pulled the cover off and pulled the plugs out to check for spark and the plugs where reall oily smelt burnt Which maybe due to oil in fuel since it is a two stroke but maybe not. I only got spark out of one plug wire I swapped the plugs and got same result on side is not giving me fire. Could it be points or condenser type thing if so do I access them from under the flywheel looking thing on top? Does it have to be clocked a certain position befor pulling and assuming its need to go back on at same position to be timed correct.

It should be new enough that it doesnt have points and condencers any more. The flywheel has a key that will line it up, only one way to put it back on. The coil should be under the flywheel. I have had lots of problems with the plug wires on little old motors like you have, may not be the coil.

Where are you at in the SA area.

matt

gumby - it sounds like you are making good progress. Just remember that if you did not change the impeller, if it starts, do not let it run for more than a few seconds.

Oh, a 72 model will have points, not electronic ignition.

its got points, condensor, magneto just like an old B&S. you have to pull the flywheel. the flywheel has 3 threaded holes on top in the center that is for a puller. first take the nut off the top of the flywheel then you are ready to put the puller on it and pull the flywheel.