1971 Johnson 85hp timing points question

[rico suave]

I suspect I might have an issue where I might need to check or clean points. My question is that if I do need to remove flywheel and reset/check/ or replace points do I automatically have to deal with timing, or can I mark the flywheel and its location and simply put all parts back where I found them? I don't want to mess with the timing and use of a timing light if I don't have to, having never used one.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1971 Johnson 85hp timing points question

Your'e fine. Just remove the flywheel, clean and gap the points, and reinstall. The timing is taken care of by the woodruff key on the crank fitting in the slot on the flywheel. You can't get it wrong. Spark advance is controlled by the stops which won't be affected by removing the flywheel.
BTW, please be sure to torque your flywheel properly so you don't booger up the crank and junk your motor! You'd be suprised how often folks do that!
Good luck,
JBj

 

[rico suave]

Re: 1971 Johnson 85hp timing points question

Thanks for the help and advice.

I just recently bought this motor with which I was lucky enough to have gotten some service records included from the past 40 years. Having a treasure trove of troubleshooting information for a particular motor can't be underestimated and folks should be encouraged to keep a journal even if they are doing the work themselves. One thing I have learned is that there were reoccuring firing issues at the start of every couple seasons and the ultimate solution was as simple as cleaning and resetting the points. It gives a new owner a reference point that could save a lot of time and expense. I'm hoping this does it but in any event I think it's a good start.