1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

[scipper77]

As I am at work and can't get to the motor for A while I thought I would do some quick brainstorming.

Last Night I took the boat out and could not get the motor to start. It had sat for about 1 month since the last outing. I brought 2 tanks and 2 fuel lines, 1 tank with brand new fuel mix.

The only thing I did with the motor since the last outing was to try to clean out the WD-40 that was all over it. The previous owner sprayed the electrical connections with WD-40 to prevent corrosion. To clean I sponged up what I could with paper towel and then hit the motor with compressed air and wiped up again with towels.

Considering the motor didn't ever even pretend it wanted to start I think I have a no spark condition (will have to verify tonight).

There is no kill switch on this motor and it is a tiller with only a rope start.

I have all basic tools for outboard repair (compression gauge, spark gap checker, feeler gauges, etc). If it's a fuel problem I think I can sort it out easily, but if it's spark I might need a little help as I am only experienced with older points based systems and this looks like a solid state ignition.

I'll update some time in the next couple of days when I get a chance to get at the motor. Until then any advice of where to start couldn't hurt.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

As you have already guessed the 1st place to look is at spark. No spark no run. If spark move to fuel.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

You saw it run before?
I would locate the kill wire and make sure its not grounded anywhere.
Btw, a kill switch will come in handy once you get it started.
Good luck.

jasper

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

If no spark look around the wiring for an in-line fuse. I don't recall exactly where it is located but there should be a very short 20 amp fuse. If that is blown you will not get spark.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

There is no kill switch on this motor and it is a tiller with only a rope start.

Please post your model number because I believe it should have a kill switch (aka shorting switch). See the link below.

Johnson Shorting Switch Parts for 1983 35hp J35RCTS Outboard Motor

 

[scipper77]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

I apologize for a poor description. There is a stop button that is the part linked in the aboveppost. What I meant is that a lanyard based kill system was not yet implemented. I will hopefully get to look at it tonight. I'm hoping its as easy as a fuse or displaced wire. I wonder if I forced some oil to go somewhere that it doesn't belong when I blew the motor out with compressed air.

 

[scipper77]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

Ok, I found a little spare time. There is very good spark. The boat was not idling all that well the last time out. I'm going to pull the carb at some point in the near future. I think the jet may be plugged.

A little history on the motor. I bought it from a coworker with a boat that has not been used in at least 9 years. He did however start the boat every year and properly fog and store the motor. The boat had three tarps covering it with a new tarp rotated in every year. While it looks like the motor may need a little wake up maintenance, this motor has low hours and should be running like new in no time.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

this motor has low hours and should be running like new in no time.

Sounds real good.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

That's great news. Do the carb, it's a simple one. Also pull the cover on the fuel pump and check the screen. There is a large screw in the center of the pump. The screen is under that. Might want to change all the fuel lines as well. Cheap insurance.

 

[scipper77]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

That's great news. Do the carb, it's a simple one. Also pull the cover on the fuel pump and check the screen. There is a large screw in the center of the pump. The screen is under that. Might want to change all the fuel lines as well. Cheap insurance.

Thanks, I have already checked the filter/screen.Clean as a whistle.
With good spark and good compression fuel system is the next stop. I think carb, and new fuel lines will be done in the next week.

 

[scipper77]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

I pulled the carb a few minutes ago and it was bone dry. It looks to me like the needle and seat assembly was stuck shut. Otherwise the carb looks as clean as a whistle.

I freed up the needle and seat pretty easily and while the carb was off I hooked up the tank and pumped the primer. Fuel flowed freely out of the fuel line that goes into the carb so there is no blockage.

Is it normal for a carb to be bone dry from trying to start it with a stuck inlet?? I mean it was bone dry.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

Some times it happens. Awhile back had one where I rebuilt it and replaced the seat and needle, ran great for 2 days, then all of a sudden it was like it was out of gas. Pulled the carb and sure enough the needle was stuck shut. Cleaned it off, reset the float and never had another problem with it.

 

[scipper77]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

Tomorrow I will see if it can start. I need to get a small hose clamp or a zip tie to secure the fuel line. It came from the factory with zip ties, not hose clamps.

 

[scipper77]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

Started on one pull. I did however find a small gas leak at one of the fittings. Time for new fuel lines I guess. It only leaked when I primed the fuel lines with the ball. There was no sign of a leak while running, just a couple drips of gas under the fuel pump/filter area.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

Great news! Replacing fuel lines is a very good idea. Like me it looks like we're running out of season.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1983 35 horse Johnson no start condition.

Started on one pull.

Attaboy!