1956 Johnson 3hp help

[fish on!!]

I have an old Johnson 3 horse that I got when my grandfather passed. I have never seen it run in my lifetime (31 years) and have decided to try to restore it. I've replaced the plugs, wires, points and condensers. I've rebuilt the carb. Still wont crank. It seems to have plenty of spark and compression. I can pull on it and every once in a while it will backfire but not crank. The only thing that I can think of to replace is the magnetos but like I said, I think I'm geting plenty of spark. Any ideas of other things to try? Here's a couple of pics of the motor.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

IF THAT MOTOR HAS BEEN SITTING UP FOR OVER A COUPLE OF YEARS GO AHEAD AND PUT A CARB KIT IN IT, CHECK THE STATOR AND MAKE SURE THE WIRING IS NOT CORRODED OR LOOSE. I JUST REBUILT A CARB ON A 1959 5 1/2 H.P. JOHNSON, IT WOOULD NOT START, AFTER REBUILD SHE CRANKED UP ON ABOUT 10 PULLS ON THE STARTER. RAN IT FOR ABOUT 30 MIN. ON THE BACK OF THE BOAT AND NOW SHE STARTS ON ABOUT THE FIRST OR SECOND PULL. GIVE IT A SHOT OF ENGINE STARTER FLUID AND SEE IF IT WILL RUN BEFORE YA REBUILD THE CARB.
PA THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA

[jadams92002]

I would try some starting fluid. If it starts it could be the fuel pump. Also sense it has been sitting for a while make sure nothing is blocking the exhaust, like a Dirt Dobber, or old Wasp’s nest. That’s a few things I would check. Good luck and let us know if you get her running.

[macdaddy]

The older motors take a double hose fuel line and special tank. make sure the primer pump on the tank is getting hard when pumped just like the bulb type primer. Mr. Bellamy @ Bellany boats in thomasville is a expert(50yrs+) on the older motors and has all the parts to rebuild the motor and the tank. Good luck

[macdaddy]

Sorry just looked again and you have a built in tank, but Mr. Bellamy can still help.

[Sir reel]

fuel tank on this one is built in. gas cap is visible on top. This is way to simple but make sure the vent screw is open and that even if it is open make sure it's venting properly. Aside from that, LISTEN to FUTCHAIRO... he's been there and is still there and knows what he's talk'n bout! That ole motor has taken a few licks on the cowling aint She. Good luck with her.

[fish on!!]

That ole motor has taken a few licks on the cowling aint She.

yeah, I was told my uncle used to have a temper with it. I'll start working on the cosmetics once she's running again.

I just put a carb kit in it and I've tried starter fluid a couple times. One problem I'm having is figuring out the correct setting on the needle valve controls. All the wording is worn off of the plate on the front of the motor so right now I'm just going off of what I think is right.