Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

[mattsanders]

I have a 1976 Johnson Javlin 85 hp. This motor runs great, but has an issue.
I recieved the motor for free because it was so cold natured. It turns out its cold natured because the timing base wont move free when its cold. I have a new base, but I cant seem to make it move easy enough for the linkage to move it. I have cleaned and lubed it, sanded it lightly, polished it, and its still too stiff. How can I free this up?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

Use a slight bit of grease on the brass bearing surface and the related powerhead bearing area. Use ONLY oil on the nylon retainer as grease collects dirt in that areas and leads to binding.

Have you checked the "L" retaining clips? One or two have been know to be rather tight at times. Slipping a thin washer under the tight clip solves the problem (or bend the clip up slightly).

 

[mattsanders]

Re: Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

There is no brass anywhere on this. Its black on top and blue everywhere else. I tried it even without the retaining ring (not running) and it was still too tight. I tried grease, oil, graphite(dry) and nothing made it move free enough. I ordered a new leer spring for the control arm, maybe mine is weak. I dont know what part number this is, the pryor owner had all the work done.

I looked on the service manual, and online at the breakdowns, there is no bearing shown.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

The bearing I speak of is a brass lining on the underside of the timer base that rides upon the aluminum raised portion of the top main bearing housing assembly.

I worked on many of those engine when they were new, and years later on. The timer base was cast aluminum with the brass lining "bearing". I have never come across anything like you describe.....black on top and blue everywhere else.

Makes me wonder if that part is from some other make/model engine.

 

[mattsanders]

Re: Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

It looks right to me. Here is a link to what it looks like.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JOHN...9108245QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

Nope.... never saw any that looked like that. A suggestion would be to pick up a good used one from any outboard shop to compare and to see if that eliminates your problem.

Think about it..... either something is wrong with that blue/black component OR the top main bearing housing assembly of your engine is flawed. I'm betting your engine is fine.

 

[mattsanders]

Re: Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

I may have to buy an OEM base. So far, I have lest than $20 invested in this motor, and we have already put 100 hours on it this season. Im going to make one last attempt tomorrow then its off to the shop for a new one. It works great once its warmed up, but starting is a booger. She belongs to by neighbor / fishing buddy. We both have boats so its no big deal if one of them isnt sea worthy for a few days.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Any suggestions for a stuck timing base?

Check on eBay for a good used one.