73 Johnson

[Bassy Jr.]

My 73 Johnson 135 dies when put into gear, and runs kinda rough at low speeds- the top end is great though. what are some things to look at.---ok it isa powershift 2 model 135ESL73M ser.# J3890612 when starting I lift the idle lever and it takes a long time to idle up and then it doesn't go very high, wont idle in gear

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 73 Johnson

carb cleaning, low speed idle adjustment, just setting up the idle, new plugs. lot's of little things. need some history, model #

 

[JB]

Re: 73 Johnson

Those V4s are sensitive to the link 'n' synch, particularly at low rpms, Bassy Jr.<br /><br />Get a Service Manual, clean the carbs (by the book) and then do the link 'n' synch. It will include the adjustments Daddy refers to.<br /><br />If you need more, give us a model number and a bit of history of the engine's performance.<br /><br />Good luck, and welcome to iboats.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 73 Johnson

There is only one model (135ESL73) of Johnson 135 in 1973.<br /><br />There are only high and low speed orifices. The carburetors get gummed up easily and can cause the problem you are speaking of. <br /><br />You may also want to check the coils to make sure that they are not cracked, and also that the wiring connections are clean and solid.<br /><br />You will want to make sure that your fuel is fresh. <br /><br />If you have run your compression check and spark check and they are OK, go back to the carbs for the cleaning. They are all fixed jets, nothing to adjust but the floats and follow the manual's link and synch like JB said.<br /><br />BTW, if you crack a spark plug by dropping it or striking it, it can cause problems, too. Might be worth trying a new set.

 

[Bassy Jr.]

Re: 73 Johnson

Thanks for the info guys, this is new to me-- what is link and synch that you refer to?

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 73 Johnson

It's the process of setting up the linkage to advance the timing in "synch" with the opening of the throttle. If you get a good manual, it will outline how to do it, or do a search on this forum and you'll get some good info.

 

[mitchell6]

Re: 73 Johnson

I got the same motor if your commpression is anything like mine it should be around 150 on all your plugs. and with the lever pulled all the way up on warmup it will go as high as 6000 Rpm's when everything is working right.

 

[Bassy Jr.]

Re: 73 Johnson

I found a crack in one of the coils- if replacing is necessary, should I do em all,also is there anything else that goes with them that I should order and do at the same time?

 

[DJ]

Re: 73 Johnson

No, you do not need to replace them all.<br /><br />That engine never was the smoothest idling.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 73 Johnson

The green coils crack over time but heat is usually what causes it. The wire to the spark plugs is as important if not more so. I don't think that is your problem.<br /><br />The problem is most likely to be clogged low speed orifices and the ducts that feed from them to the carburetor throats. Since your motor has no intermediate jets, the symptoms that you describe are pointing to this.<br /><br />A carburetor rebuild will probably solve the problem. <br /><br />BTW: The warm up lever will only work in neutral, and in neutral or without load you should never let your motor run much above a fast idle. The motor can easily run away with no load and it will self-destruct.<br /><br />If you want to try a little cleaning of the low speed jets just to see if it makes a difference, let me know and I will try to step you through it.

 

[Bassy Jr.]

Re: 73 Johnson

after further investigating, I have found that it runs ok (but could be better), with ear muffs on in the driveway, it seems to rev up and stay running after shifting into gear, but when it's in the water it is really slow to rev up innuetral and it dies when shifting into gear.

 

[Capt. Duug]

Re: 73 Johnson

I just bought a brand new Johnson 6. It does the same thing. It only has 2 hours on it...I was wondering what was goin' on. ThanX for the info. I expect to get many years of use out'o it.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 73 Johnson

Most all engines will run better on muffs than in the water. Reason being, there is no back pressure against the cylinders caused by being in the water. So the engine doesn't have to work as hard to stay running.<br /><br />Just remember, to really set an engine up to run and idle right, all running adjustments should be done with the boat in the water.