85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

[searaynoob]

Ok never owned an outboard Johnson before and want to save some money by working on it myself.
I turn the prop and it makes a knocking noise in the lower unit.
Turns over great just doesn't start and was told by previous owner that he had it checked out and its an electrical component not sure which but it does turn over when power is added. Just no VROOM lol

Any advice would be great and a place I can get any said parts it may need. Ran two years ago and will again I am sure its not super old motor.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Clicking noise in lower unit:

(Centering Shift Cable)
(J. Reeves)

When all is as it should be, the proper method to adjust the shift cable is to disconnect the cable from the engine. Move the shift linkage on the engine to find the center of the play in neutral, and when found, leave it centered.

Now, grab the end of the shift cable sleeve, push and pull it to find the center of the play there, and center that play.

Adjust the trunion on the threaded portion of the shift cable so that the centered play of the cable lines up with the centered play of the engine's shift linkage. Install and lock the shift cable with the retaining clamp in that position. That's it.

---------
Starting problem:

I assume you're saying that the engine "cranks over" with the electric starter but does not fire and start running. If so, do the basics first such as.......

Compression: What are the psi readings of all cylinders?

Spark: With the spark plugs removed, rig up some type of spark tester whereas you can set a gap to be jumped. On the solid state OMC ignition systems from 1973 to the present, set the gap to 7/16". The spark should jump the gap with a strong blue lightning like flame..... a real SNAP! Checking the spark via using the spark plugs is a waste of time and proves nothing. The above stated gap must be used for a proper test.

If the two above areas are as they should be, the problem would be fuel related. Model number? What did you find?

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Nothing yet still in the middle of getting it to the garage as I just have my driveway seal coated today

Clicking noise in lower unit:

(Centering Shift Cable)
(J. Reeves)

When all is as it should be, the proper method to adjust the shift cable is to disconnect the cable from the engine. Move the shift linkage on the engine to find the center of the play in neutral, and when found, leave it centered.

Now, grab the end of the shift cable sleeve, push and pull it to find the center of the play there, and center that play.

Adjust the trunion on the threaded portion of the shift cable so that the centered play of the cable lines up with the centered play of the engine's shift linkage. Install and lock the shift cable with the retaining clamp in that position. That's it.

---------
Starting problem:

I assume you're saying that the engine "cranks over" with the electric starter but does not fire and start running. If so, do the basics first such as.......

Compression: What are the psi readings of all cylinders?

Spark: With the spark plugs removed, rig up some type of spark tester whereas you can set a gap to be jumped. On the solid state OMC ignition systems from 1973 to the present, set the gap to 7/16". The spark should jump the gap with a strong blue lightning like flame..... a real SNAP! Checking the spark via using the spark plugs is a waste of time and proves nothing. The above stated gap must be used for a proper test.

If the two above areas are as they should be, the problem would be fuel related. What did you find?

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Nothing yet still in the middle of getting it to the garage as I just have my driveway seal coated today

Ok so do you have a link to a picture of what I am adjusting? Just want to make sure before I go and unhook anything...and it knocks in neutral and in drive and in reverse...someone here told me it should knock in neutral but shouldn't knock in drive or reverse and it does it no matter what I do.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

No, I have no link. However, this is a very easy thing to do. You have a throttle and a shift cable connected to the engine. They should be obvious.

Look at the clamp that holds both cables down... there is just one bolt holding the top retainer on. So loosen (or remove) that bolt to which will enable you to adjust the threaded trunion back and forth to where it's needed to be centered. All that remains to be is a 3/8" nut that holds the cable to the engine's shift lever.

And NO, the lower unit should NOT knock when in neutral... fire that someone.

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

LOL that's what I thought but wasn't exactly sure so wanted to ask...I have heard it could be the sheer pin inside?? I adjusted everything fine everything is as it should be...I will be hooking up the muffs in a bit to try and check spark...what should I be jumping the spark with?? I have always checked with just the plug.....???

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Great News Guys!!! There were two loose wires in the harness and one I need to make a new end for but it fired right up no issues at all. But I popped the plug on the lower unit and got a milky creamy whitish tan ooze that came out....Obviously I need to redo the seal in the lower unit....but still no idea on the clicking noise. I ran it for a good 5 minutes sounds very strong and good but I shut it down in case there was any issue with the lower unit and it wasn't spraying water out through the top hole like normal....where do I start how much is it gonna cost??? Or should I send it down the road for 4X what I paid for it and buy a newer larger motor??

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

I need to try and get this boat running for the 4th of july so a parts place that has quick shipping would be a great plus...unless there is a bigger issue...but I will be dropping the lower unit tomorrow seems like a few bolts and it just comes right off is that correct??

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

What is the model number of that engine?... Johnson did not make a 85hp model in 1985.

You might want to reread my "Centering Shift Cable" reply.

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

The shift cable is centered I already did that part. Model #85ESL-70D Which doesn't even come up on the Johnson website....not sure whats up with that

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Model #85ESL70D is a 1970 85hp Johnson... not a 1985 model.

That engine has a Hydro Electric Shift gearcase and does not incorporate a shift cable so forget about trying to adjust a cable that doesn't exist. The clicking is normal when turning the propeller in a certain direction.

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

well it clicks in the forward spinning...but if you slowly turn it, it won't click you put some muscle behind it and it will click...took the lower unit off just now and everything seems to be fine minus the milky lowerunit fluid....so how do I fix this issue that way my lower unit is fully serviced...thanks for the input...not sure which cable I adjusted under the hood but I am going to return it to where it was before messing with it. thanks for the input joe...previous owner said 85 so I went with it...obviously miss informed on that one...but it runs amazing I started it last night and it worked great now I just need to get some new parts for the lower unit!!! any idea on what I would need would be awesome...any idea why johnsons website doesn't take my model #

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Hello and welcome to iboats!!
Brother, first things first. Please buy yourself a manual. An OEM manual. It will save you tons of time and money. Probably the best investment you will ever make as far as being a boat owner. It will explain just about every question you can have.

Johnson isn't about fixing their old outboards, they want to sell new ones. So you won't get any help out of them. Here is a link to some help:

http://www.**********/parts/search/BRP/JOHNSON/197ARCASE GROUP/parts.html

Now, you have one of the most expensive lower units(in my opinion) to work on in OMC history. That lower unit requires a special oil, has electrical components, and some key parts are obsolete.
If you decide to keep this outboard, you are at the minimum, going to need some seals. Which is going to require you to tear the lower unit apart. So much easier with a manual. If I were in your shoes, I would replace them all, along with any questionable bearings and I would also install a new water pump.
But before I did any of this, I would do a compression check. See what you find. I know you said it runs amazingly well. But, a compression check can be the deciding factor on weather you keep it or sell it for a profit(since it now runs).

 

[AlTn]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

might try marineengine.com for parts diagrams as well...if this is a saltwater motor I'd think 3 times before spending time/money on it

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Thanks and no its a fresh water and I got it for 100 bucks so definitely fixing it so I can get out this year. and its only going to be 35 bucks to fix it providing that the clicking noise isn't an issue

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Well I can't get the link to work.
Go to boats dot net and type in your model number. Then scroll down to the link that says "gearcase group". It will show you an exploded view of your gearcase and all the components inside. It will also have a list of them and their prices.
You can also a seal kit here on iboats.
Lower Unit Gear Housing Seal Kit for Johnson/Evinrude, GLM 87609 - Sierra - iboats

I believe this is the one for your lower unit.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

Hydro Electric Shift !!!!! be scared................be very scared.
My humble opinion only of course

 

[searaynoob]

Re: 85' Johnson 85HP Issues NOOB

OH man well looks like I am making a craigslist posting after I fix everything...I want to get back to my 140 evenrude...that was bulletproof...Kinda seems as though I need to fix and sell this one...and look for a different motor all together.