old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

[jwsimmons]

Last time I had the boat out the engine was kicking around real bad and wouldn't get the boat up and plane. Then eventually it wouldn't start. I know my description is vague but I would appreciate any help you can offer, Thanks,Jon

 

[JB]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

Check out "Outboard wont start" in the Engine FAQs, Jon.<br /><br />That should narrow it to a system. Then come back here and tell us what engine you have. . .exactly. . . and what you found.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

Ok I'll do that. Thanx

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

jwsimmons - Check JB's list. Spark gone?<br />If so, by 'kicking around real bad' do you mean kind of like hitting something in the water (a log) repeatedly? That is to say, really violent? Or was it just a soft cutout?

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

No nothing in the water. Maybe cutting out, I don't know. Yeah it was kicking real bad though. I've had some flywheel trouble with the engine before. Could it be off? If it was cutting out, could it be the spark? <br />I'm only 18 and am interested in marine engines and how to fix the ones I own, maybe others in later years. I appreciate your guys advice.

 

[fireman57]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

When you say old what is old? Give the year if you can. If not then give the model number so we can figure out what we're dealing with.First check for spark. It should jump at least 1/2" and be bright blue. If spark is yellow or non-existent then change that powerpack. You might change the wires to the other plugs and see if the weak spark follows. If spark is fine on both cylinders then look at your flywheel for a sheared key. I'm glad that you gave your age and that you are interested in these things. There is a lot of knowledge from "the old guys" on this site.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

but first buy a service manual and some basic electrical test equipment <br /> but other than that there are many here that will help

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

Ok, I had a hard time reading the model # but it looks like RDS-21 B. The serial # is 1902340 for sure. I will give what you said a try as soon as I get time and will let you know my progress.

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

I found a site on the internet that said it is a 1959 which makes sense because the boat it's on is a '59. Is there a certain manual I should get and where I should get one? Thanks

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

The Seloc one that Iboats sells is good for the beginner. But the original factory one is better. You can get them here:<br />TheOutboardWizard<br />Mastertech<br />Marine Engine<br />Ken Cook <br />They pop up on ebay too from time to time for a lot less. I only see a couple owner's manuals right now. Search for "(evinrude,johnson) (35, 35hp) manual"<br />If you want to avoid spending any cash on the outboard yet, go to your local library and borrow one of their repair manuals. They're usually crummy, but the price is right. They may be in the reference section.<br /><br />That real violent kick is usually caused by the clutch dog slipping in the lower unit. The outboard slams in and out of gear when that happens. It feels just like hitting a log - except it happens again a few seconds later. <br />I suspect all that smashing ended up shearing the flywheel key and allowing the flywheel to rotate slightly on the crankshaft. That would cause you to loose spark on these old magneto systems. That can happen if the flywheel taper doesn't match the crankshaft taper properly, or if the flywheel nut hasn't been torqued properly. It must be torqued to 105 ft/lbs.<br />Check on spark and get back to us. Don't expect to see one longer than 3/8". Check both the top and bottom.<br />The lower unit is obviously going to need some attention. But first let's get it running.<br /><br />That's a great old outboard you've got there! Tell us what you find.

 

[jwsimmons]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

Ok, I tried checking for spark but the flywheel wouldn't turn very far. It gets stuck between two points. When it stops turning over I can turn it backward for a couple turns then it get stuck again. Know what I mean? <br /> I tried to find a service manual at the library but they didn't have one. I will buy one as soon as I get the money to spend. Maybe you guys can guide me along until then. Thank you

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: old 35hp Johnson sea horse trouble

Oh, ok. Before proceeding (or getting a manual even) we've got to figure out what's stopping it. It's possible that something in the lower unit has come apart and is preventing the engine from completely turning. The easiest thing to do is to remove the lower unit completly and see if it then turns freely.<br /><br />Here's how you get it off:<br />Start by removing the rear part of the midsection cover. This is the back part of the large casting that mostly covers the outboard. This exposes a bolt you'll have to get at and makes it a little easier to get at the shift linkage.<br /><br />On the side of the forward part of the midsection cover is a panel held on by two screws. Remove it and the panel behind it. You should be looking at the shift coupler. Put the engine into reverse so you can get at it better, and completely remove one of the two bolts holding it on (don't just loosen it). That will release the shift rod.<br /><br />Now remove the 6 small bolts holding the lower unit on and the one large one on the back (the one that was behind the cover).<br /><br />You can now remove the lower unit. It should just pull off, but it may require a little convincing if it hasn't been done in a while.<br /><br />With the lower unit off, you should be able to figure out which end is binding - the upper or the lower.<br /><br />Tell us what you find!<br /><br />PS - be gentle removing the lower unit bolts - if you snap one then it's going to be a pain to fix. Try 'tapping' the wrench with your fist and applying heat (from a torch) and penetrating oil if you find one that's stuck.