1979 Johnson 2 stroke cold starts well and runs good. Though, it has trouble starting when hot, ie after running across lake. Engine will turn over but won't fire easily. Sometimes, it'll backfire while trying to hot start. Or, it'll begin to fire and chug a bit, then die. Often I have to play with choke and cold start procedures when starting though I know the engine is hot. Once it starts when hot, idle seems weak and when I engage throttle it'll die. Once I get her going engine seems to run hard and smooth. Any ideas?

"backfire" - you mean it sort of "spits"? You've got one or more gummed carbs. Sticky needle valves leak fuel into the crankcase while you're fishing, flooding it, which is why is starts when you open the throttle and/or choke it. Then it's not idling on all cylinders.

yes, j, it kinda spits. What's the fix for gummed carbs? Additives to fuel? Or, something one can do to carbs oneself? Or, better left to mechanic?

As a quick fix, pour some SEA FOAM into the gas tank. Try that first. It made a believer out of me recently. Autozone carries it. Costs about $6.99 for a can.

Next step, change your plugs.

Seafoam is great stuff...could help...but for a really good cleaning you have to take 'em apart.

The average do-it-yourselfer can rebuild a carb - but don't try it unless you have an oem shop manual - you can get one at www.marineengine.com - got mine there, good service, no problems.

Here's a pretty cool
video tutorial on carb rebuilds. Go for it!

THanks, J. Appreicate it.