Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

[xc600]

Is there a list posted of the most common plan of attack for debugging a lack of power issue in gear on a 3cyl Johnson, namely a 1980 70hp?
By plan of attack I mean:
1) Check compression
2) Check spark
Etc....

I'm forming a plan for when I get back to where my motor is stored, and I'm trying to determine what diagnostic tools to bring.
I've already had the motor in the water and know that I have no power in gear once it's shifted so I need to start from the beginning.
I'm going to give this one more try and if I can find out what's wrong with this thing I might have to bite the bullet and take it somewhere. I just hate the idea because I've heard nothing but bad things about my local marine repair joint.
Any help anyone can shoot my way would be appreciated.
Alan

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

check compression and spark, compression should be 100 psi or above, withing 10% of each other, shark should jump 1/2 inch blue bright. my 99% guess is contaminated carbs. take 3 carb kits with you, clean and rebuild the carbs, if everything else checks out. see the TOP SECRET FILE, 1st thread in this forum.

 

[xc600]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

I'm sorry, I left out part of the story....
I had this motor at home when I mounted it on my boat. The carbs have been completely gone through. Jets completely cleaned, bowls cleaned, carb passages blown out, floats reset, fuel lines replaced, screen in pump cleaned, new primer bulb and main line to tank, and fresh fuel. Not my first time at this rodeo....but first experience with this motor.
I know this motor has been played with a little, the guy I bought it from tried and failed to get it to idle properly. It will now idle, but won't run under power. My main concern is that the length of the throttle shaft has been changed (lengthened or shortened) and that the timing and throttle are no longer in sync.
I was planning to just do things one at a time which is why I asked if there was an order in which to do them in. I have a drum big enough to put the lower unit in for testing and I planned to just start from the beginning.
The motor came with a Seloc manual so I'm hoping between that and this forum I can get it straightened out.
Thanks,
Alan

 

[xc600]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Input anyone????

I read the Top Secret file, but if you'll look at my question and then look at the TS file you'll see that I appear to be past what it covers.
The engine will a) run, b)carbs have been cleaned and rebuilt.
I'm experiencing no power and no ability to bring up the rpm in gear.
It'll push the boat around in gear, but I can't gain any rpm's once in gear.
I have an idea what to look for, but the motor is three hours away from where I'm currently at, so I'm trying to formulate a plan.

 

[Toddo1]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Did anyone correctly perform a link-n-sync on the carbs? This will assure the timer base is advancing at the correct time (just before the throttles start to open). You'll need the manual for that.

It may be the issue due to the fact that someone was messing around with the throttle assy. previously.

Hang in there. )

 

[xc600]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Do I have to have another manual to perform the link n' sync?? Is there a write up on here anywhere?

All the carbs work off one main, non adjustable rod, but there is adjustment between the timing advance and the main throttle rod.
I can't say for sure that it's been messed with, but I'm not leaving anything to chance. I want to go thru things step by step.

 

[Toddo1]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

There's one link rod connecting all 3 carbs, but each carb butterfly is adjustable where the rod connects.

Make sure the timer base is free to move. They can get stuck.

Its critical that all 3 throttle butterflys are completely closed at idle, and that the timer base starts to move (advance) just prior to the throttles opening when you throttle up.

Make sure the choke butterflys are not closing when you throttle up.

I have a 1981 70hp J70ELCIM, and I have the Johnson manual for it. I can scan the link and sync instructions and send them to you if you'd like.

Its very specific on how to set the linkage timing.

 

[xc600]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

When I reinstalled the carbs I confirmed not only smooth throttle operation, but that they were completely closed at idle and all moving at the same exact time. I've sync'd round slide snowmobile carbs by eye and by using a carb sync before so I'm familiar with it.
The choke was working properly and did not look to be closing at all during my testing.
I will have to check the timer base to be sure it's moving freely, that is one item I hadn't checked yet.

I have my suspicions on what might be wrong with this motor (I'm leaning towards a dead coil after reading all the posts here) I just haven't had a lot of time to get the right tools on it.

I would greatly appreciate any info you can forward as far as sync-ing the throttle and timing. I didn't realize it was that involved, but would like to take the time to look it over.
I'll PM you my email address for any info you can send off.

Thanks

 

[xc600]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Toddo1,
PM's sent.

 

[Toddo1]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

I sent you an email with those instructions.

 

[xc600]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Thanks Toddo,
The plan is to look it over Memorial Day weekend, although I might be up that way for a few hours tomorrow.
I should be able to check on that timing base and how well it moves then. Now that I have an idea what I'm looking for maybe I'll get somewhere.
Thank for the info.
Alan

 

[Toddo1]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

No problem and good luck!

 

[happilymaad]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Any update? I, too, have a 1980 70hp Johnson with the same issue.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[xc600]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

No update as of yet. I'm heading back up to where the boat is stored in a few weeks. I'm now armed with a bit more info (thanks Toddo), and maybe a couple more new coils. I've confimed that the carbs are CLEAN. They aren't going to get any cleaner without a sonic dip.
I did not rebuild them since my floats and needles and seats seem to be in good condition (I think these carbs were rebuild before). I did however confirm that all the passages are clean and completely blown out.
I'm first going to change out my other two coils if for nothing else but piece of mind and the fact that there is an updated coil available.
I'm then after getting this motor to idle, and idle correctly. Once I get it to idle, I'll tackle the off idle stuff. No sense in geting ahead of things.
I hate throwing parts at things, but electrical gremlins don't just tap you on the shoulder when they decide to act up.....

 

[krogie]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

sounds like you have a good plan of action . if you do decide to replace the coils it is allways a good idea to keep them for an emergency spare , as long as one of them is still good and does not have any cracks. and i think you are wise to lean towards the timming and fire side of things ,it sound like you have the fuel side worked out

 

[Toddo1]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Happilymaad...I sent you a copy of the PM I sent xc600.

PM back if you want a copy of the official link-n-sync distructions from OMC.

 

[bwalter]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Just my two Cents worth....I had a similar problem and looked and looked. Replaced parts, diagnostic tool purchases to retire a Snap-on salesman and low and behold the previous owner(s) had reversed the #2 and #4 coil in the power pack......zingo the motor runs great. Sometimes it can be just that simple, just be open minded and keep after it.

 

[RJDAWSON]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

I have had the same problem, though you should check the carbs the problem turned out to be the STATOR, a check of the ohms with a digital meter, (about $20 at the raido shack), on the stator (the two wire plug) and the timing base( the four wire plug). The proper readings can be found the Clymer book page 84 & 85. You can see my threads under "Stalls when I put it in gear" and Zeke.

Zeke

 

[harleycontracter]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

I have a 1979 Johnson. Just bought the boat. Seems to have minimal power in forward but reverseems to be better. Carbs were cleaned motor runs mint .Any ideas. Prop is good. Boat was sitting for 5-10 years. Thanks

 

[kibilly]

Re: Dreaded "no power" in gear, 80' 70hp Johnson

Does anyone have the e-copy of the manual on this motor? Trying to read Johnson 60 (c. 1987?)