85ESL69S sitting a while

[Jermyn]

Hello All,<br /><br />I am new to this board and even though this is my first post, I have already learned alot from reading old topics back 3+ years. Thanks to everyone for all the great posts.<br /><br />I was given a 1970 Browing 18.5ft champagne hull with an 85hp '69 Johnson 85ESL69S about 1.5 months ago. Even though my family is full of boaters and fisherman, this is my first boat. The boat needs repair on the deck but overall is in good shape. I decided not to tackle the boat repairs until I made the engine run, since the only water the boat has seen in 12 years is rain!<br /><br />After jerry-rigging a non-original solonoid, non-original rectifier, replacing the powerpack with an ebay special ($35!) rebuilding the ignition switch, replacing choke switch, and chasing down wiring faults, I was successful in getting the motor to start last weekend. I only ran it for about a minute with the muffs on but I don't believe the water pump was working so I shut it down for fear of overheating. Compression about 120psi each cyl.<br /><br />Based on posts from this site, I have purchased an OMC original parts and service manual. I plan to replace all battery cables, solenoid, rectifier, plugs and perhaps the inner wiring harness. I also plan to replace the water pump assembly and renew the oil. <br /><br />The original owner ran all the gas out of the carbs before storing it and they appear to be fine. So, I was considering leaving them alone.<br /><br />I believe I am on the right track with this is there anything I have missed? Anything else I should do?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 85ESL69S sitting a while

You should definitely replace the impeller or the entire water pump before running it again. <br /><br />As for the carbs, you'll get different viewpoints. It wouldn't hurt to clean them and install the kits, but...you might get a pleasant surprise if you try starting the thing up without doing that, once you've renewed the water pump.<br /><br />I did that with my 1958 RDS-20. It ran rough for a few minutes, then settled right down and ran beautifully. If that happens, you may just save yourself a bunch of work. On the other hand, if it doesn't work out that way, you can do the carbs. If the seller was right and the engine was run out of gas before parking, your carbs may be just fine. It's worth a try. Just make sure your cutoff switch is operational so you can shut down quickly if necessary.<br /><br />Finally, put some Seafoam in the first tank of gas you run through this engine. It'll clean things out.<br /><br />Good luck. I posted an answer to your parts question on the control box, too.

 

[Jermyn]

Re: 85ESL69S sitting a while

Thanks, I assume I can get this Seafoam stuff at my local boating supply store?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 85ESL69S sitting a while

Oh, yeah. Sea Foam is pretty much everywhere. I've seen it at Home Depot, Walmart, in every large tackle shop. It's a pretty common item, wherever boating stuff is sold.<br /><br />A lot of people swear by it. I haven't heard anyone swear at it. It can't hurt on an engine that's been sitting for a couple or more years. It should clean out the gummy stuff, along with a lot of carbon, from the engine. <br /><br />It isn't instantaneous, of course, but if you run a full tank treated with it through your old engine, the carb will be a lot cleaner when you get done. If the engine runs OK without overhauling the carb(s), then you'll be way ahead once you use it.