85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

[twocyclemania]

Just picked up a really nice 85 Johnson 2 hp. There's no corrosion, it turns over nicely and has spark. Got her for $50.00. I don't think it was used very much. However, she's not starting and I really want to give the carb a going over. Tried to get the cover off but it seems the throttle lever is in the way and the top part (with the recoil) needs to come off first. I'm hesitant to undue the only thing I see and that's the large Phillips head on the top since I believe it's part of the recoil. I looked at diagrams on-line and I'm still trying to figure how to get to the carb and not mess with the recoil (if indeed that's that case). Any ideas? I have the underside screws undone and the whole mounting is moving around but it appears the top cover and the throttle lever are holding things up. thanks!

 

[gayle23]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

You are right, don't mess with the phillips head screw on the top of the case as that applies only to the recoil spring. There are four bolts on the underside of the case (probably look like slotted screw bolts.) Remove these four bolts and you should be able to lift off the case. You may need to loosen the upper frame area to be able to pull out the carb. If so, it is easy to do by loosing the bolts under the frame which hold it in place. If you remove the tank and upper frame the carb will be easily accessible but you may be able to remove the carb without doing so. If you push the frame forward after removing the bolts you should be able to pull the choke lever out.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

This diagram shows the brackets (#5) and the screws that retain the cover

http://epc.brp.com/cgi-bin/ImgServ....68\03.tif&ilSC=25&ilIV=0&ilBR=0&ilIF=P&ilRE=8

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Thanks for the replies! After playing with it a little more I managed to get the cover off. Removed and opened the carburetor and found it clean enough to eat off of and the float and needle working fine. Replaced the bowl gasket and the high speed nozzle seal (replaced cork with a new rubber-like one). Other than that I'm not going any further with the carb for now. Ordered a new head gasket and impeller. Will let you know the results.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Replaced the head gasket ; torqued to spec. However, this thing will not fire in the least. I have crisp spark and a new plug. I've tried everything. Poured gas in both the plug hole and through the carb. Even used the 'dreaded' starting fluid and not the slightest hint of firing. When I had the carb off I noticed the reed valves opened when I turned the flywheel so they're not stuck. With spark and fuel I should at least get a hint of firing but nothing. Any ideas?

 

[Will Bark]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

How are you checking the spark? should use an open air spark checker, a and should jump a 1/4" gap. Spark may not be firing under compression.

 

[boobie]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

If you do have spark you could have a sheared flywheel key.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Will and bobbie: Thanks for two excellent possibilities. I was a bit leery of it not firing under compression (bad coil) as I've experienced a number of bad coils. When they're dead; they're dead but with spark I would have expected at least a hint of firing. Would never have thought of a sheared key but that sounds more than likely. Now I know why the kid sold me (what is a really nice looking and low usage motor) the motor for $50. Anyway, I'm dying to find out what lies underneath the flywheel. I'll let you know what I find. thanks again!

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Went over the motor today. Popped the flywheel and the key is fine. The coil looked good visibly. However, I replaced the coil and condenser with new and dressed, cleaned, and set the points. Only problems I found were the point setting was off a couple thousandths and the connection where the wires from the coil and condenser meet at the points was a bit loose. Everything is back and the spark is pretty much the same (ok) as when I started. Once again, no firing; not even a hint. Any ideas? thanks

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

With fuel and spark I figured the only thing left is engine internals. I finally found my lost compression gauge and did what I should have from the beginning. Compression looks very low (about 30 pounds). A broken ring? This motor was not used much so it can't be just worn out. When I had the head off the cylinder wall looked good. Looks like a rebuild or I check ebay for a powerhead. Any advice from the experts as to the problem and rebuild versus powerhead replacement. No wonder the kid was getting rid of it. I don't know if he knew the extent of the problem but I know he gave up trying to start it.

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Ok 30 pounds but why aren't the fuel fumes or starter fuid fumes igniting at all ???

Have you tried loosening the rings up a bit with penetrating oils or a dose of sea foam sitting for a day or two ?????

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Crosbyman: Thanks; good idea to soak the rings before going any further. I'm going to try that. As for the 'no ignition' I'm as baffled as you. On almost all the motors I've worked on I'm usually able to get a hint of firing.

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

make certain the grounding strap is sound (electrically and physically) and properly installed between the body and the armature plate !

btw did you peek inside by pulling the side exhaust plate it may give you better soaking access at the rings

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Thanks Crosbyman: I'm not familiar with the strap. Where would I find it and what does it look like. Never noticed one before when I've removed armature plates.

Exhaust plate will be the next. Today I flooded the cylinder through the plug hole with a CRC product called 'Knock-er-loose.' I'm going to let her soak a few days. thanks

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Evinrude Magneto Parts for 1985 2hp E2RCOC Outboard Motor

part 26

under my 2r73 it is bolted to the top left exhaust plate bolt and goes under the armature

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Thanks again! Yes the strap is in place and I'll clean it up electrically. I'm hoping that the soaking and this strap connection cleanup will get something moving. I'm welcome to any more suggestions. This motor has really been a mystery; a simple single cylinder. Go figure!

 

[boobie]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Your compression is very low. Try some good decarb in it and let it soak for a few days. Would the spark now jump a 1/4' open air gap ?? Last thing is the mtr may need new rings.

 

[Sandor27]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

Agree that your compression is low. I recently bought a 2r72 andhad the same problems you are facing - though my compression was 65. Turns out even when I squirted fuel into the cylinder directly it would not fire. Went through all the usual suspects....and nearly tore my rotator cuff trying to get this thing to start.

Turns out my problem was a plugged low speed circuit. Carb was sparkling clean otherwise. A bit of the cork from the fuel pickup gasket broke off and lodged in there. I cleaned it out and also under the pressed in disc, replaced the gasket with a fat o-ring, fitted a new disc and tried starting it with a cordless drill as my shoulder was now angry with me. Started in like three seconds of turning.

So I guess I'm saying that even if you think the carb is clean, check to see that all passageways can flow fluid - use pressurized air or cleaning fluid and verify.

Good luck!

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

good point but... one would think starter fluid or gas in the plug hole should.... cause at leats one-two pops ??????

interesting problem

dont give up twocyclemania

 

[Sandor27]

Re: 85 Johnson 2 horse - carburetor access

"but... one would think starter fluid or gas in the plug hole should.... cause at least one-two pops ??????"

That's what I would have thought too, but no. No pop, sputter or any audible anything - even after using a syringe to inject pre-mix directly into the plug hole. Maybe it spun a but longer after the pull, but no pop. Might just be a 2hp thing.. BUT, once I cleaned the low speed circuit it started right up. THis was after sitting for more than 10 years due to a broken recoil spring...