2001 Johnson 35 backfiring, no start.

[Bobbywolf]

So I got ahold of a pretty cherry 35 Johnson, MN J35VL3SIE, 2001 model. The thing looks immaculate under the hood. The old guy selling it says it quit on him one day and he couldn't restart. He went ahead and just bought a replacement 4-stroke, and sold this to me for a song. It has 125-130psi on all 3 cylinders, and has spark on all 3 plugs when cranking, so I bought it thinking it was just a fuel issue.

When cranking, it bucks and backfires flame out of the exhaust, and I cannot get it to start. It really seems like the timing is out of wack. I am having a hell of a time finding an OEM manual for this. Some suggestion on my issue, or at least a link to a manual I could buy would be greatly appreciated.

 

[racerone]

Check the flywheel key.

 

[Bobbywolf]

Check the flywheel key.

On the nose! Sure enough, the key is sheared right off and the flywheel is off about 90 degrees. It's looking more and more that the old fellow I bought it from wasn't giving me the full story. The prop doesn't look like it took a big hit either. I'll grab a new key tomorrow and give er a go. Thanks!

 

[racerone]

Use a factory key.-----Perhaps lap the tapers with some fine valve grinding compound.------Clean the tapers and assemble clean and dry.----Torque the nut.

 

[Bobbywolf]

Fixed!

I used a factory flywheel key ($14 !!!). Before installing, I lapped the tapers together very well. Installed the key, torqued to 105 ft/lbs, and it fired up immediately! I need to get this in the water to confirm everything else is good, but I am super happy. Thanks for the assistance racerone!

Rob

 

[racerone]

Factory parts are the guaranteed correct parts.----They do not always use a standard hardware store ( 29 cent ) woodruff key.-------No risk of damaging crankshaft / flywheel with the factory key !!