6hp Johnson lacks power - what to do?

[berleyguts]

I have a 1972 6hp Johnson outboard (long-shaft) on a 10ft Dehavilland punt. Problem is it's running too slow. I know this boat will plane with a motor this size but it's just chugging along. Makes it very frustrating when I want to get somewhere in a hurry!

It was recently serviced and starts OK and everything.

Any ideas what to check?

[basserman]

check the classified for a newer 6hp!
had simmaler on a ten foot before my mate sold it and can't say i ever remeber it accually planeing
as for what you could check i would start at the throtle cable and go from their
if your lucky it may only need retighting ;D

[NQCairns]

Hi Burleyguts,
In 1972 those engines were rated at the powerhead so has the boat planed with a more modern engine putting out a true 6hp?. Also they have an old prop design, possibly not as efficient as modern designs. It may simply be the prop pitch like on any other motor is incorrect for the job or if it has planed before, did the service include new points? these days it takes some extra know-how to set points correctly, poorly adjusted points can rob a LOT of power. So in conclusion - buggered if I know why ;D ;D Good luck with the old girl.nq