New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

[Rockchalk]

Just purchased a 1980 Lund with 75hp Johnson. It is likely the motor has not been started for several years. I fired the other day with muffs providing water. Engine would fired for a few seconds and then cut out. I was happy with that but never got water to spit. Is firing this engine with muffs ok or should I go with tub of water. Any suggestions for firing this motor the second time. I am not a motor head at all so can use all the help I can get. Have manual on way to me. Thanks you for all suggestions.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

Running your engine on muffs is fine. You do not need to have the water faucet wide open for this as you will simply waste most of the water. Two stroke engines are by nature very cold blooded and need lots of choke for cold starts. Raise the fast idle lever on the control box about 1/3 and push in on the key when cranking as this activates the choke. Release the key when the engine fires. Adjust the fast idle lever up for a comfortable idle (1500 -1700 RPM or so). Push in on the key to bump the choke if the engine begins to die. You may need to do this one or twice during warm up. After a minute or so, lower the fast idle lever and head out. Remember that you cannot shift into forward or reverse unless the fast idle lever is fully down.

 

[DJ]

Re: New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

Rockchalk ,<br /><br />I would not consider starting an engine that I did not know the history on. History meaning, services, etc.<br /><br />If the engine has not been run in several years, you will need the following minimum, for trouble free performance.<br /><br />1. Water pump replacement.<br /><br />2. Lower unit fluid replacemennt, including drain/fill plug seals.<br /><br />3. Carburetor rebuild.

 

[Brew2]

Re: New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

What DJ said. Water pump, lower unit fluid, and carb rebuild are a must.<br /><br />Assuming the motor ran ok a couple of years ago when it was last used, the carb rebuild will likely cure your "cut out" problem. Manual will walk you through it. Not very difficult as long as you have the manual handy.<br /><br />Oh yeah...make sure you are using fresh gas, not what was left over in the tank from a few years ago.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

Run your motor again (or try to).If it runs 3 minutes shut it down,and evaluate what you see.You won't hurt the motor in this time.<br /><br />Carb and water pump rebuilds are probably needed as well as a good idea.<br /><br />I just suggest you see more.<br /><br />Spark,fuel and compression test is a good idea also.<br /><br />If the telltale works during the next test,you can run it longer,but you still need to replace the pump.It's old.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Rockchalk]

Re: New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

Thanks for advise guys. I already cleared out old fuel and changed line and was planning on changing out the impeller, lower unit oil, and plugs but carb re-build was not on my list. I took off the intake cover last night to get a good look. Carbs (like whole engine) look nearly spotless inside and out from what I could see. I am hoping to avoid a total rebuild as I am afraid I will screw it up. What is involved in doing carb rebuild? Will doing a cleaning with carb cleaning spray do me any good. If so any advice on how to clean. Can I do damage to engine if I test motor without a re-build or will it just not run well. Again thanks for the help!!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

Forget the carb spray as all it does is clean the throat. Carbs need to be removed, disassembled and every passage cleaned thoroughly to remove the gum, varnish and other debris. Carb kits are inexpensive and simple to work on. Buy a manual specific to your engine and you can do this job with minimal tools. A tip -- when you start the job, finish it. If you wait after disassembly, you will likely forget how things went together. On multiple carb engines, do one at a time so you have the other to use as a pattern. Be sure to set float level correctly before assembly.

 

[Crappie_Fan]

Re: New Here! 1980 75hp Start Up?

If it was me I would rebuild the carbs even if they do look clean, most of the stuff that causes the carb not to function right is stuff you can't see. New carb kits shouldn't be too much and you'll be glad you did it in the long run. Nothing like be in the middle of the lake and engine dieing, and having to paddle back to ramp.<br />I would buy the new kits, then following there instructions, disasemble carbs then soak over night, followed by blowing all orfices out with some compressed air. Definitly do the water pump replacement first, dont want to cause any more work to be done. Hope this helps some.<br /><br />Good Luck