1977 v4 85hp johnson idleing truble

[Devonaaron]

I have a 1977 johnson 85hp new power pack, coils, and a stator from another motor that I ohmed out, spark plugs, rebuilt carbs, new fuel pump, fuel filter, checked reed valves, and compression 120 each Cyl. It pumps water good and I replaced the lower unit seals. This motor has juts been a pain ever since I got it. Im having truble trying to get it to idle It will run at a high rpm but miss hear and there. I need to preform a link and sync a problem is that there is not a timing marker or pointer. Its really a nice motor just has been a real pain in the ***. Dose anyone have a similar motor that knows the tuning process and can give me a little insight. Also the trigger I ohmed out and it checked out to be good. Everything has been pretty much done to this motor. I rebuild smaller outboards and I rebuild 2 cyl outboards all the time but not really a v4 crossflow such as this. I dont need to be directed in some direction like to a manual they dont have much to say. I would like to here from someone whos owned a motor like this and has had problems with it that kinda sounds like this.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1977 v4 85hp johnson idleing truble

Have you done a spark check?

The link and sync is fully specified in the OEM manual (which you should get). It's a long procedure and must be performed step-by-step, in order.

It also sounds like you may be due for a carb rebuild - again fully specified in the OEM manual.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1977 v4 85hp johnson idleing truble

If you had an OEM Manual it gives you all the voltage specs when checking your ignition system outputs with a peak reading volt meter. Ohm meters don't tell all. Does your spark jump a 7/16" open air gap when cranking with the plugs out ?

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 1977 v4 85hp johnson idleing truble

My suggestion is, as you sound like you aobut ready to junk it.
Spend the 300.00 for a shop to get it running right, then enjoy it for a a few years. The sting will wear right off once you hit the key and purrs like a kitten.
I know it seems like something you should be able to fix, but that seems not to be the case.
I too had to drop back and punt, so to speak. Took my pld johnny in and a couple days later she ran so good I was happy I spent the money. On mine there was so many things out of whack I had no chance of getting it right, and mine ran real good, I thought. but like you had no idle.

Its your choice, your money, and your time. Oh yea, and you wont have a headache any more either.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1977 v4 85hp johnson idleing truble

Agree with you Bifflefan. You put it very good.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 v4 85hp johnson idleing truble

A occasional miss at idle could be a lean sneeze. That's a carb problem-not iginition. The engine is running lean at idle. You need to blow out the special idle passages in the upper carb body with an aerosol carb cleaner to get any dried fuel out of the passageways. You can't clean the carbs unless you pull them apart-including removal and inspection of the jets. A sync and link per the factory manual is a must to make sure you get the throttle cam adjusted to the spark advance lever. Once you have this done, set the idle at 650-750 rpm when idling in gear with the boat is floating normally in the water.