Engine quit. No start. Paddled to shore etc....

DJAY2003

Cadet
Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
11
65' 90hp Johnson--Takin her out to troubleshoot some steering issues and prior to leaving ramp skeg got stuck in mud. Tried reverse, kicked up a ton of mud would not budge. I do believe the prop even stopped turning while about 1/2 wot. [newbie :rolleyes: ] Got out and pushed her away and took off. 2 0r 3 minutes after reaching wot, engine bogged down and died. No start. Drained battery while trying to start. [another issue I'm trying to troubleshoot--charging system. Any help here would be appreciated also.] Engine hot enough to not pass touch test. <br /> Have not had a chance to check the obvious, spark, fuel, compression, just wondering if this sounds like mud might be the culprit? Or could my charging issues be a factor? Will update with more info. on spark and fuel, just wondering in advance about the mud mistake. Thanks. Daryl<br /><br /> [Just recently replaced fuel pump diaphram and filter. New points, condensor, rotor, coil, impeller, plugs and t-stat. Bulb stayed firm but not as firm as usual. Plugs looked slightly fouled but wet with mixture. Had the boat out only once before and I ran it for about an hour without any problems. Engine does have an exhaust leak I believe is coming from just below the powerhead. Carbs. need a rebuild, but are functioning well enough at this time.]
 

Xcusme

Commander
Joined
Apr 21, 2003
Messages
2,888
Re: Engine quit. No start. Paddled to shore etc....

You may have picked up enough mud to block the water pump causing the overheat.
 

Maximerc

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2003
Messages
292
Re: Engine quit. No start. Paddled to shore etc....

Hey !!! Not sure about the overheat,,,BUT go easy on the throttle going forward to reverse, I had a 80hp of the same vintage, going into reverse with too much power will shear this expensive spring in the lower unit !!!!!
 

DJAY2003

Cadet
Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
11
Re: Engine quit. No start. Paddled to shore etc....

Xcusme--Quite possible. Just now got her started and water is peeing and coming thru the exhaust just fine though. Engine seemed a little hot for the short time I had her runing today. <br /><br /> She finally started after running a jump directly to the coil from the battery. This is really confusing seeing how it is a brand new coil. Turned it off and on a few times without the jumper--no problem. The idle was terrible--engine vibrating, sounds like it is missing especially at low idle. I shut her down and set the adjustments for the carbs according to the manual. Could not get her started again even going direct to the coil. <br /><br /> 1. Could my charging problem cause any of this to happen?<br /> 2. Does anyone have a schematic specifically for a 1965 90hp Johnson w/electric shift? My clymers does not. I at one point assumed my charging problem was due to a bad rectifier, but after searching the engine and asking the local shop I found out that model does not have one. Any info on the charging system would be appreciated.<br /> <br />3.Engine was pretty hot for the short time I had her running in the can. Should this be a concern?<br /><br />4. Also the tach is not working. It's an airguide--60's era that is old stock never used with only a positive and negative hookup. Right now I have it wired the way the old tach.[it was shot]was wired, with the grey[coil] to "+" and the ground from the engine light to the "-". This is just causing it to peg and bounce at 7000rpm.<br /> <br />Any info. would be extremely appreciated. Thanks.
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Engine quit. No start. Paddled to shore etc....

Me thinks you may have more than one problem. Your post describes what might be called the "scatter gun" approach which, in my opinion may only make it more difficult to get things sorted out.<br /><br />I suggest you start by pulling the thermostats and lower unit. Backflush the motor through the water tube to the lower unit to flush out any caked mud or other crud. Open up the water pump and inspect (inspect the t-stats also). Replace impeller if there is any question. Put it back together and see if you can get it runnin. Then and only then move on to checking all the other stuff in your post.
 
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