1978 Johnson 85 HP Choke Issues

[Bassboating]

I am learning here, I will admit I do not know exactly how to ask questions so please stick with me.

1. My choke solenoid is not working when I push the key in
   1. How can I test if it is the solenoid or the box
2. My control box handle when lifted does not seem to engage the throttle to help with cold start.
   1. is there a diagram of the internals of this box so I can see where the handle is connected for the throttle

I will post pictures below.

 

[Crosbyman]

deleted

 

[racerone]

Use a jumper wire directly to the choke wire on the terminal block.----Choke should click.

 

[jimmbo]

When you lift the Idle Lever, does the Timing Advance? The Carbs will not open until well in to the Linkage Movement

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Just to eliminate any procedural issues, the key has to turn first before pushing it in.

Assuming you've done that do as race says or at least test for power at the solenoid while someone pushes in the key.

The warm up lever advice above is correct. If it's not moving then it could be a few things.

 

[Bassboating]

When you lift the Idle Lever, does the Timing Advance? The Carbs will not open until well in to the Linkage Movement

Currently
Nothing happens when you turn the key in which to my understanding that should activate the choke
Nothing happens at all when you raise that lever in the picture. I do not know if the wire is missing or broken.

 

[kbait]

Are you pushing key in when turned to start mode?

 

[Bassboating]

Are you pushing key in when turned to start mode?

Yes
I should say my neighbor has a boat with a newer Johnson so he’s been helping.
I have pushed them turned and turned then pushed

 

[racerone]

Simple testing gets you the results.----So does the solenoid click when you put 12 volts to the choke wire on the terminal strip, yes or no ?

 

[Bassboating]

Simple testing gets you the results.----So does the solenoid click when you put 12 volts to the choke wire on the terminal strip, yes or no ?

I can’t today but will be trying asap

 

[F_R]

That is not a 1978 remote control. Nevertheless, raising the fast idle lever pushes the throttle cable, which moves the throttle on the motor. There is a lot of slack in the cable, so the lever has to be raised a lot more than in your picture to actually do anything because of the slack.

As others have said, the key must be turned to the "ON" or "START" position and then pushed in to operate the choke. If it isn't working, check the wiring etc. Oh, and make sure the manual choke is not set to "CHOKE OFF" position.

 

[Bassboating]

That is not a 1978 remote control. Nevertheless, raising the fast idle lever pushes the throttle cable, which moves the throttle on the motor. There is a lot of slack in the cable, so the lever has to be raised a lot more than in your picture to actually do anything because of the slack.

As others have said, the key must be turned to the "ON" or "START" position and then pushed in to operate the choke. If it isn't working, check the wiring etc. Oh, and make sure the manual choke is not set to "CHOKE OFF" position.

I do not believe it will go much higher.
Where can I find a correct control box

Where can I find the choke off switch?

I will pick the boat up tomorrow I had to get the power pack replaced and I will need to clean the carbs. The mechanic said $800 for parts and labor to clean carbs I will be watching videos and getting neighbor to help
But tomorrow I can try the choke test

 

[racerone]

??----No need to rush out and replace the control box.----Some simple trouble shooting can be done.----That is an improved control box and better than 1978 original !!-----There are adjustment on these things.---Stop and take your time.----First time owning a boat ??

 

[Bassboating]

??----No need to rush out and replace the control box.----Some simple trouble shooting can be done.----That is an improved control box and better than 1978 original !!-----There are adjustment on these things.---Stop and take your time.----First time owning a boat ??

Yes first boat
I asked about control because I have a feeling something is wrong with the box since the lever doesn’t work and the choke doesn’t work

 

[Faztbullet]

First you need to lose the homemade clip-on choke and install correct keeper o-ring. The reason choke won't work is wire tie on cable below solenoid has flaps locked open.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

First you need to lose the homemade clip-on choke and install correct keeper o-ring. The reason choke won't work is wire tie on cable below solenoid has flaps locked open.

Good catch Fazt....what is that ny-tie doing?

 

[F_R]

Manual Choke Lever

 

[Bassboating]

First you need to lose the homemade clip-on choke and install correct keeper o-ring. The reason choke won't work is wire tie on cable below solenoid has flaps locked open.

I trust you so please do not read it that I do not.
What can you see it is doing just from the picture?

also @saltchuckmatt I am wondering the same thing, it was like that.

@F_R thank you!

 

[racerone]

More pictures of the cables and where they connect makes it easy to explain.----If that is on the shift cable it might be easy to explain that ty-wrap.

 

[Bassboating]

More pictures.
I may be wrong but I do not see the manual choke lever
Also I can't figure out why the one zip tie is there unless it is to secure the cable?