'77 Johnson 85HP

[StevenB1977]

I recently bought my first ever boat and have had trouble getting the motor to reliably start when cold. It starts and runs fine after it has been running. This is very embarrassing when people are waiting for you to unload. There is spark and fuel but I think I'm flooding it out. Unfortunately I don't have an owners manual for the 85HP Johnson (1977). Is there a secret for properly choking the engine?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '77 Johnson 85HP

What spark plugs are you using? What fuel? Describe EXACTLY what you are doing when you try to start the engine. Those older motors are going act little dirrerent on todays fuel but are still good motors. What about compresion? E mail dhadley50@aol.com. Have fun.

 

[JMF]

Re: '77 Johnson 85HP

The biggest problem is compression on those motors. Compression should run about 120 to 140, you can pick up a cheap compression gauge at auto parts store. Pull all your spark plugs and turn it over for few seconds with compression gauge in the hole where the spark plug goes, do every hole that way, each should read minimum of 100. Should not vary 10 lbs from the highest to the lowest.<br /><br />Jeff<br />NeeDeep7@aol.com

 

[adrian bick]

Re: '77 Johnson 85HP

the motor must crank over quickly in order for the ignition system to work.You must have a good battery and starter motor.The warm up lever MUST rotate the timing advance in order for the choke system to work properly. Sparky