1982 90hp Johnson outboard won't start - plz help

ib18

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8ID_13pOBU - I quit boating when my 1982 90hp Johnson outboard would not start on my 10/4/2014 bay fishing trip. I was towed into the dock by BoatUS.

I did the compression test 110psi on all 4 cylinders, primer valve was working so motor was getting gas. I didn't get any sparks. I think my rectifier may be burned or my coil?

thx
 

racerone

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Rectifier is part of the battery charging system.------Motor has 4 coils and they did not all fail at the same time,--The electric primer is just a valve and it is NOT a pump.----------The red lever is for manual operation only and for running it should be pointed away and inline with the valve body.---------It the video it is not being operated properly.-------The correct 20 amp fuse is about 5/8" long as well.--------I suggest you find a proper manual in order to do the trouble shooting.
 
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boobie

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You could try cdielectronics.com for spark trouble shooting procedures.
 

TD_Maker

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Racerone and Boobie are absolutely far better qualified to answer questions than I am; however, I do have some experience with this motor...as well as most other OMC V-4's of this generation. Racerone stated that all four coils did not fail at one time, and that is for sure. Also, you have two power packs for that motor...one for each side. I am pretty sure that BOTH power packs would not fail at once either...which leads me to wonder about fuel. Here are my thoughts...Racerone and Boobie correct me if I am wrong please.

It was pretty chunky out there as I viewed from your video. Maybe you churned up some crud from the bottom of your gas tank and clogged the fuel system. Maybe a fuel filter is clogged, or you may have sucked it right up into your carbs. Then, you may have wore down your battery trying to start the motor. The motor needs a certain amount of RPM's and voltage to fire the system...thus, this may explain your sudden lack of spark on all four cylinders. Also, look closely at your ignition key switch, or a kill switch if equipped. The system could simply be grounding out.

Mr Boobie is correct. Get a good service manual and it will absolutely pay for itself in short order.
 

emdsapmgr

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The fuse in question is the main engine fuse. If it blows, the engine is dead, no spark, no starter. The factory fuse is smaller, a 20 amp Bombardier part number 510884. It is designed to fit in that red fuseholder. You should carry a few spares with you at all time. Should the fuse blow when you are out on the water-the engine is done. The black cylinder atop the airbox is the fuel primer solenoid. It is not the fuel pump. The red lever in the video is in the "service" position, not the "run" position. It will not run when you have it 90 degrees to the length of that solenoid. Turn it 90 degrees, so it is parallel to the length of the solenoid, as racerone stated. That's the "run" position. The round, black solenoid next to the starter is the starter solenoid. It converts the key switch energy into current to drive the starter. It has a set of heavy-duty contacts inside which are activated magnetically. You seem generally uniformed regarding the wiring on the engine. Suggest that you review the wiring diagram for your engine, found at the top thread of page 1 of this Johnson troubleshooting forum. Look in that thread titled: "top secret" files. Likely one of these wiring diagrams applies to your engine. The wiring diagram is in color and will be very helpful. You did not attempt to start the engine in the video. Does it crank but not start, or does it not crank at all? Two different scenarios-two different problem types. If you intend on working on your engine yourself, a factory service manual (not an aftermarket one) is useful. Check out this factory website for an original 1982 service manual: outboardbooks.com.
 

Tim Frank

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If you intend on working on your engine yourself, a factory service manual (not an aftermarket one) is useful. Check out this factory website for an original 1982 service manual: outboardbooks.com.

.....or eBay
 

racerone

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I believe that if the motor is running and the fuse blows then it will just keep running.-----The fuse is not part of the ignition / spark circuit.
 

emdsapmgr

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That's correct. The engine will keep running if the fuse blows, but the starter won't restart it. You'd have to rope start it to get it to run again without a good fuse.
 

ib18

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I fixed the motor by cleaning ground terminals for all 4 ignition coils, hooray will go boating and fishing this weekend.
 

ib18

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look how bluish and acidized the metal ground clip is on the Ignition coil, the thicker and bigger terminal is the output to the spark plug, and the smaller and thinner terminal is the connection to the power pack.
 

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ib18

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2015 cold and first start - yes and finally motor is alive and kicking again. But the water peeing out of the hole was too hot, time to change impeller.
 
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