1977 Johnson 85HP questions

[I Mow Grass]

I was recently given a 1978 Glastron with a 85HP Johnson on it. The boat had sat for 13 years, all the fuel tanks were drained and stored but they had left the fuel line connected so it is all dry rotted. I took both the carbs, cleaned and rebuilt them, and replaced the starter solenoid due to it being bad.

So now I am ready to start the motor back up for the first time. How hard are these carbs going to be to adjust? Also does the motor have a overheat horn, because I have not seen it?

The model of the engine is a Johnson 85EL77S

I have read all the "Top Secret File" topic any other helpful information would be really great.

Thanks

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

Those carbs are going to be nearly impossible to adjust.

There are no adjustments.

If you look on the port head, you'll see a brown wire for the overheat sensor. The horn is in the remote console. Follow the brown wire up a few inches to a rubber boot. Peel back the boot to expose the connector and ground it to the block with the key on. You'll hear the horn.

EDIT: Did you do a link and sync after the carb rebuild? If not you're in for an interesting time. Get the OMC manual (here or ebay, or elsewhere) and go through the procedure step-by-step. Use the joe reeves WOT timing method in the FAQ instead of the one in the book though.

Before doing anything else, I'd replace the impeller or even do a complete water pump. If the fuel line was bad, the impeller is certainly bad too. 13 years is a long time to sit.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

Thanks for the quick reply, So adjusting the float was the only thing I am guessing that is great. I try and find the overheat horn now, appreciate the help. Is there anything else about these motors I need to know?

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

I added some under "edit" above while you were posting.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

Ugh I have had a few people tell me the impeler is a total pain in the @ss to replace.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

Impeller replacement is easier than doing the carbs, in my opinion. Although it would have been easier to disconnect the shift linkage while you had the carbs off. Still, it shouldn't take you much time.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

I do appreciate your help, I go try and remove that impeller now and pick up a new on today.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

remove it and check the condition of the stainless plate and cup. If it looks scored or worn, get the waterpump kit.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

Basically just drop the lower unit and all that fun stuff, yeah i will make sure i check all this stuff.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

That's it. You'll be staring at 7 bolts (including the trim-tab bolt) if you've removed them all. For the shift rod, just loosen the bellcrank bolt until you can split the arms apart. The linkage will pop off it's peg.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

Yeah it might have been a little easier with the carb off. I just went and looked for the overheat horn wire and failed to find it, I saw several brown wires with boots on them.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

It'll come out of a recess near the spark plug for cylinder #3 off to the side of the head.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

Does the wire just hang off with no connections? If so I found it.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

It shouldn't, but that's not the same as it doesn't.

 

[I Mow Grass]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85HP questions

I found it, I was just sketchy at first on pulling that boot back because it was very hard and was afraid of breaking something.