Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

[basbalj288]

I just bought a 76 johnson 85 hp and can't get full WOT and noticed that the ignition advance pin, ( I guess that's what it's called ) about an inch below the fly wheel (runs parallel to the ground) that can be screwed in or out to control the firing and timing of the motor at WOT (I've been told), had been tampered with and broken off at the tip. Since I've adjusted all the other components such as the throttle and carbs, I'm assuming this is the last thing that could be wrong. SOOO if anybody knows where that pin is supposed to be screwed in to, like how far is it supposed to be screwed in, that would be a HUGE help. I've read the manual and can't seem to find it in there. From reading around on this forum I know that pin is not supposed to be messed with because it will throw off the timing but in this case, I need to know exactly where to set it to so that it will help me. I have a trip planned for Saturday and desparately need to figure this out on my own bec/ shops are backed up. So with you alls help that would be great.
If you have that motor and it runs good just let me know where your's is set too and that would be a big help.
Thanks guys! You always are a HUGE help
Matt D.

 

[Mntom]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!!

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!!

Try going HERE and see if you can find the pin you mean. It just might give you a picture of it.

 

[basbalj288]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

Thanks but I just really can't tell from that picture which piece (if any) it is. If you look at the motor, it is a bolt, running parallel to the ground, that is about 1 to 2 inches below the flywheel that you can adjust by screwing in and out without removing the flywheel so its visible. I've been told its called an ignition advance pin, that could very well be wrong though. I do know it has to do with the firing because when I tried to adjust it on the lake, it obviously did something with the firing and I believe adjusting this is the last step to getting this thing running correctly. BUT I don't want to guess and check and make the motor FUBAR by my ignorance. Thats why I'm calling out to see if anybody, esp with that motor, could just tell me where along the bolt theres is adjusted so I can set mine there also.
Thanks bud

 

[milmat1]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

Can you take a Pic and post it??

 

[basbalj288]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

Yes I can. I will do that tonight after work so check back in to see. It should be around 6 when I get it done. Thanks

 

[basbalj288]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

Let me know if this picture helps

 

[basbalj288]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

And here are 2 more...
Does this look like it is set in the correct place because it sure isn't running at full throttle like it needs to be?
If you look at the end of the bolt you might be able to tell where it is broken off at the end...don't know it that really affects it performance though

 

[Mntom]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

That pin sounds a lot like a timing advance stop. On my '77 there is a sticker on it that has the amount of advance required at full throttle. Yours just may have something like that. If that is the case you should be able to use a timing light and get it close. Try screwing it in until it will at least run then get it in water and set it.

 

[Mntom]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

Try this procedure: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=228183

 

[basbalj288]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

That's exactly what it is. Thanks for all your help it really is appreciated! I will try that out tomorrow night and let you know how it goes!

 

[basbalj288]

Re: Calling on a Johnson owner for help!! 1976 85hp especially

After adjusting the timing pin, the boat ran beautifully though it still was not quite getting top end. It maxed out at about 29 with 3 people on the boat and I really knew of nothing else to try to do. Then, when pulling somebody on the tube at WOT going 25mph, I felt something just GIVE in the motor like something release all of a sudden and it shot up to 37 mph in about 2 seconds!!!!! The rest of the day it would cruise at 38 with nobody being pulled and ran smooth and powerful. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

P.S. does anybody know what could have caused the sudden increase?? Something maybe clogged in a high speed jet or was a jet stuck and just finally release?? any ideas?