Re: johnson 85hp javelin help?
Sam..... Hopefully you didn't run the engine for any lengthly period while that alarm was sounding off, as that could have, at a minimum, damaged the cylinder head gaskets.<br /><br />The older OMC 85hp outboards had only one warning setup, and that was indeed for overheating. When the engine overheats, a sensor in the cylinder head grounds out, completing the circuit to a warning horn.<br /><br />Check the compression, should be approx 100+ psi and even on all cylinders. If you find a variation over 10 pounds, it would be a good idea to remove the heads for inspection.<br /><br />Check the cyl head bolt torque (18 to 20 foot pounds) in the sequence of: Center left bolt, then center right bolt, then drop down to next lower right bolt, then continue in an ever widening circle.<br /><br />It's possible that you simply picked up a plastic bag on the lower unit which would restrict the water intake momentarily, however it's not a good idea to simply assume that was the problem. I strongly suggest that you drop the lower unit to dismantle and inspect the waterpump (good idea to replace the pump assy on general principles). Let us know what you find.
