'77 Johnson 140 won't start

[87Aggie]

As stated below, motor will crank but will not fire up. Motor is getting fuel to cylinders but spark is weak and maybe erratic at all cylinders. Replaced power pack and had same results, upon closer inspection I discovered that the stator was oozing and leaking. I ordered (two stators were listed 6 amp and 12 amp, with the 12 amp indicated for motor equipped with T/T) I purchasedthe 12 amp and replaced with again.. the same results - no start up, weak spark. I have an OEM service manual but do not have any of the "testing tools" indicated for ignition testing. I have a digital multimeter ohms/volts but really don't know how to use it (given to me). Any ideas??<br />It was great to hear that Dhadley is alive and well!!

 

[87Aggie]

Re: '77 Johnson 140 won't start

I was really hoping someone could give me a lead on what I might check or how I could perform some tests on the ignition parts with a multimeter. Really don't want to take it to a wrench and really don't have one anywhere close to where I live. I want to test the parts because sometimes "new" parts are bad right out of the box. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[mcdgary]

Re: '77 Johnson 140 won't start

Multimeter is not going to help you much. A good fully charged Marine battery is imperative. I have a 1976 115 HP Evinrude and have had similar symptons. I have used an induction timing light, which clamps over the spark plug cable to test "firing." With a good battery and a good pulse pack pulse pack you should see the timing light strobe on all cylinders and it should crank (run). You may not like to fog the carb with a little starter fluid (e.g., from auto parts store - its cheap) but this may lead you to the problem. (1) Spray a little at the air horn of the carb (doesn't take much) (2) Turn the ignition key. (3) Does it fire? Usually if the engine is not going to run on fuel it will run momentarily on what little starter fluid it had and stop. However, it may get going on its on, if so let it run awhile. I have a new Deep Cycle #27 Battery, which replaced a Delco #27 Voyager Marine Battery (also a good battery)

 

[mcdgary]

Re: '77 Johnson 140 won't start

Oh, if it doesn't fire and attempt to run after the starter fluid you certainly have an ignition problem.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: '77 Johnson 140 won't start

mcdgary, no luck with starting fluid. I'm using a new battery 850 cca. I recharge after every failed attempt to start the motor. Just some background info: Before the stator meltdown, I had recently rebuilt the carbs with new kits, installed new fuel line and rebuilt fuel pump - motor ran and started great at that time.

 

[JB]

Re: '77 Johnson 140 won't start

NIX the starter fluid!! No lube in it, it can wash lube out of the needles. That=BOOM!!<br /><br />Use a few squirts of premixed 50:1 fuel. If it wont start on that, starter fluid wont help.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: '77 Johnson 140 won't start

I know JB (see my other post "about at my wits end") anyway I'm desperate and willing to try anything about now. Still would like some input on how to use a multitester to test my timer base. (It seems that you all have narrowed it down to the timer base or the power pack). I stated it already, but I installed a new power pack right before noticing the melted stator, so I may have fried the new power pack - don't have any way of testing the pack) I'll have to replace if necessary. Only had the boat out a couple times this summer and times-a-runnin' out