'73mod johnson 85 hp spark issues

[Dali30]

Tried to start it earlyer today after couple of weeks not running and it did not start,looked at the spark plugs and on syl 1 seemed dry and shiny,no spark? maybe some bad coils? - How do i check if they are ok? i do have a multimeter. is there a way to check if the power pack is ok? i do know the round outer gasket on fuel pump is pretty bad,it pours out very bad when i prime it,is this reason enough alone it not will start? it sucks air where the gasket is broken right?

 

[emdsapmgr]

To test for spark when cranking, there are two easy, common methods: the cyl drop test and by using an inductive timing light on each plugwire. The drop test requires that the engine be running, then test by pulling each spark plug wire off the plug. If the cyl is firing, the engine will slow down when the wire is off-then go back to normal when put back on the plug. The timing light test does not require the engine to be running. If you are leaking significant fuel, that is a reason it won't start. You are correct: if fuel is leaking out, then air will be leaning in,causing a lean condition (not good.) Fix the fuel problem first so you are sure you won't have a fire. Also, when cranking the engine be sure the choke works. These are a bear to start if the choke does not work. Checking the plugs when cranking is also good. If they are dry, you may not be getting fuel. If they are wet, you may not be getting spark.

 

[glenn property of pam]

yep like endsapmgr said dry shinny plugs probably means no fuel and that's not really surprising if the fuel pump is leaking. Maybe be better to fix that before spark testing the motor.

 

[Dali30]

Hey thanks for input,stupid me the fuel pump sucked air beacause of the gasket being worn. Now it fires up right away wit new gaskets and not leaking. Time to try it on water tomorrow. thanks.

emdsapmgr: ill try that one later,i think it runs on all. But one question,it has a kind of rough idle when in neutral and it kind of cuts out now and then if you know what i meen? but when puts it in forward and idle it seems to run ok,but when i stop and puts engine in neutral it starts to cut out again,just a sec but those sec seems to come often,to me it sounds like ignition probs or is it just wear over time i have to live with? it does not sound good at all,annoying. can you tell me what this is?

 

[Dali30]

Hey thanks for input,stupid me the fuel pump sucked air beacause of the gasket being worn. Now it fires up right away wit new gaskets and not leaking. Time to try it on water tomorrow. thanks.

emdsapmgr: ill try that one later,i think it runs on all. But one question,it has a kind of rough idle when in neutral and it kind of cuts out now and then if you know what i meen? but when puts it in forward and idle it seems to run ok,but when i stop and puts engine in neutral it starts to cut out again,just a sec but those sec seems to come often,to me it sounds like ignition probs or is it just wear over time i have to live with? it does not sound good at all,annoying. can you tell me what this is?

 

[emdsapmgr]

If the engine has a periodic miss at idle, (every few rpm's) it could be a "lean sneeze" situation. Common on these crossflow carbs. That's when some old fuel dries up in the very small idle passages inside the carbs. That causes it to run lean and miss every few rpm's. A carb problem, not an ignition problem. If this is what it's doing, you need to clean the carbs by taking them apart. Use a carb cleaner type product to dissolve the old dried fuel gelatin from the inside of each carb passageway. If you open the throttle even slightly, the main jets provide fuel and it may run just fine at higher rpm's. Keep in mind if it's running lean on fuel, it is also running lean on oil-not a good long-term thing.

 

[Dali30]

they are already rebulidt and cleaned properly,that is not the issue.sorry i mixed some concepts in my last answer. ill try again: no problem when throttle up and to max,but in neutral and standing still at idle. like ignition is cut, its not a problem when throttle,only at idle.,as i said my 9.9 was also like this at idle but when throttle it run great. I have not tried this 85 on water yet,but on muffs it acts like my 9.9 at idle,cuts out now and then for a short sec,have to throttle it. all gas hoses are new also. i do see some green goo under stator,is it worn so i have to keep some throttle to keep up volt deliverance?

 

[emdsapmgr]

A lean sneeze is only at dead idle. But you should visually check to be sure the carb butterflys on both carbs are closed at idle. (pull the airbox cover off and have a look.)