1973 85hp johnson starting

[Sodaguy]

After killing my force outboard for the third time I gave my boat to my son, (he is 15). He went out and bought a 1973 motor, the motor runs like a bear, it is just a pain to start, it normaly takes either starting fluid, or one person holding choke closed by hand as tight as possible while the other cranks engine. After running for a while it will start on its own, unless its been off for more than an hour or so.<br />Ive replaced the squeeze ball in fuel line because it seemed soft at times, but that still happens. Go tubing, quick start and stops no problem, go fishing stop for a while what a pain.<br />Thanks<br />RJ

 

[mrc]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson starting

I would suggest a carb rebuild kit and pay particular attention to the floats when rebuilding.<br />I recommend this because while it may not be the cause of the problem (although it is somewhat likely), it is a good preventitive maintenance to do on any engine for which you don't have a maintenance history. May prevent catastrophic failures later.<br /><br />Might also be a fuel pump.<br /><br />Check for gas leaking around carb bowls immediately after turning off engine.<br /><br />You are using the "start" lever to advance ignition during starting?<br /><br />Good luck<br />Mike

 

[Sodaguy]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson starting

Mike <br />Thanks I was thinking fuel pump, is this a diaphram type pump? No fuel leaks I tightened evey conection and looked for leaks first. We are useing the start lever. We just got back from fishing I got two him none. Its great to have a teenager that would rather take dad fishing than ...... The wife won't let us fish in the new boat.<br />Thanks<br />Randy

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson starting

The motor requires more battery, fully charged, to get quick cold starts. You need at least 300 RPM for charging. <br /><br />The choke must close 100% for cold start. If the solenoid isn't set right the motor will not start quickly. Watch when the switch is activated and if the choke doesn't close completely, move the solenoid down in 1/16 intervals until it does.

 

[Sodaguy]

Re: 1973 85hp johnson starting

That makes sense. The electric solenoid has been replaced twice by the previous owner, it has none now, only the manual choke lever, which isnt very tight, that would explain why when we push on the solenoid by hand it does the job. I guess I will look to replace the solenoid. I realize the need for the cranking power, we have a 1000 cold cranking amp battery in there, we had used others earlier and realized that from the start.<br />Enjoy the cape, we live on the Ct. river in western MA.<br />RJ<br />-------------------------------<br />It would be easier to learn how to swim, than to boat.