1986 90HP Johnson Not Starting

[thompj2]

I recently picked up a 90HP 1986 Johnson with VRO from a local guy. He says it hasn't been run in several years. I have been cleaning it up and trying to get it running. I have checked the spark with the plugs out and the compression in all 4 cylinders is good. It turns over and over without starting or catching. I am guessing their might be something electrical that I should be checking out that might be preventing it from starting. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1986 90HP Johnson Not Starting

Is the primer solenoid working? You need it for a cold start, so be sure to push the key in while cranking to enrich the fuel/air ratio. Be sure that the red handle is aligned with the cylindrical body of the primer solenoid.

If you don't have a warm up lever to advance the timing, you will need to override your neutral lockout for a cold start.

 

[gsyfishy]

Re: 1986 90HP Johnson Not Starting

Carbs will need to be totally cleaned, get a manual, if your mechanically inclined, you could do it yourself. USE a manual!

 

[thompj2]

Re: 1986 90HP Johnson Not Starting

The little handle on the primer solenoid is actually broken off. If you push the key in, gas shoots out of the hole, so I plugged up the top with a small nail wrapped in teflon tape. I can't be sure which way the handle was pointing before it broke off. Is it possible that it was pointing the wrong way and therefore even though I know it works to shoot gas, that it is not going into the carbs?

I have already dismantled and cleaned the carbs previously.

Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1986 90HP Johnson Not Starting

Fortunately, repairing the primer solenoid is fairly simple and you can upgrade to a schrader valve in the process: http://www.iboats.com/Johnson-Servi...4296561--**********.987330854--view_id.507811

The function of the primer solenoid is to bypass the carburetors and allow pressurized fuel directly into the intake manifold, which it will do when working properly. The pressure comes from the fuel pump or initially from the squeezing of the primer bulb.

 

[surrender]

Re: 1986 90HP Johnson Not Starting

Just a thought but I picked up a 1997 88 Special with no history and got it to start but the nut holding the timing rod was loose and on the first sea trial the timing rod worked free and when I went to restart it i couldn't. Checked spark, fuel, everything. Just about the time I was going to get towed I saw right in front of my face the timing rod almost hanging off it mount. Put it back on and adjusted it back to where I thought it was and the engine fired off first try.