I have a 1973, 85hp johnson that will not start without starting fluid the first time. After that it will start the rest of the fishing trip. Need some advise. I have overhauled the carbs.
I have a 1973, 85hp johnson that will not start without starting fluid the first time. After that it will start the rest of the fishing trip. Need some advise. I have overhauled the carbs.
Sounds like the chokes not working.
I have a 1973 135HP and Ialwyas drain my starting battery when trying to start it. The motor has low hours on it, and i just had the carbs replaced, and the mech. verified that the choke is wprking fine. Any suggestions? This thing seems to be a cold natured beast.
Try this, pump the primer bulb until firm. With the motor trimmed below level, turn the key to on, raise the warm up lever and press in on the ignition key for 5 seconds. Turn to start if motor does not start, turn the key to off then on and press in key again then turn to the start position. Motor should start. You may need to "feather" the choke a few times until it warms up.
I can't remember for sure, but I think when you raise the warm up lever it trips the choke butterflies and opens them. You could check that out. If so, then try cranking the motor over with the choke butterflies closed, no warm up lever, start out with a few cranks and then raise the warm up lever, crank again it should start. You will have to learn how long to crank with the choke on so you won't flood the motor.
Remove the air box cover and manually hold the choke plates tightly closed and open the throttle only slightly. Have someone crank the motor over and see if it starts quicker.
That old CD ignition system needs about 350 rpm cranking speed to generate a hot spark for starting. On a motor that old, parts may be worn, out of adjustment or just plain weak. Make sure you have a 800CCA or larger battery and that connections, cable, and starter are working as they should. There was also a bulletin years back that changed the semi-automatic choke wiring to be an on-off electric choke. See a knowledgeable dealer to make sure that was done.
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A Technical troubleshooter possessing more tools than talent !
Originally Posted by SEAHORSE
Man you guys are old!
Dirt calls 'em SIR!!!!
Whipper Snappers!
Thank you everyone. I will do these suggestions. Im certain that my Marine Battery is only 550 CC.. i will post when i do these tips this weekend for the resolution. Thanks again for the input.
tried the above and worked great! i was choking it to much and flooding the engine... and in the meantime killing the battery trying to start it. I appreciate all the help.
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