85 HP won't start after swap.

[jaybird71]

I have a 1978 85 HP Johnson Model # 85ML78C.
I have no spark at ALL spark plugs.

Here is the story; I was given my father's pontoon boat that sat under a tree for 15 years. Everything was rotted away. I have replaced the floor, carpet, console, steering system, and seats. It had a 1979 40HP johnson on it with OMC controller. My father used the boat every day till he got sick.

Last year my brother-in-law offered me his pontoon for $1000. This boat was running but needed all new carpet, console, and seats. But I liked the trailer and motor. This boat has the 1978 85 HP Johnson. I used this boat all summer long. Ran great.

So I decided to swap the trailer and motor. I rather have the stronger 85 HP motor that runs and put the smaller not running motor on the other pontoon.
I sold the other pontoon.

I did not swap controllers. I figure a Johnson controller would control both, the old 40 HP and a 85 HP. DID I MAKE A MISTAKE???

This Motor (85 HP Johnson) turns over but won't start. I checked all spark plugs by grounding to the motor and get NO SPARK on any.
Please Help.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 85 HP won't start after swap.

The control boxes are all the same from 1973 through 1995, with minor appearance differences, esp the trim switches in the handle. Probably something in the ignition: power pack, timer base or stator.

 

[jaybird71]

Re: 85 HP won't start after swap.

The control boxes are all the same from 1973 through 1995, with minor appearance differences, esp the trim switches in the handle. Probably something in the ignition: power pack, timer base or stator.

Thanks emdsapmgr;
With the controller out of the question.
What would be the next logical step to for me to check?
Like I said, I have no spark to any of the four spark plugs.
This motor was running last summer before I winterized it.
I have a multi meter. So where do I need to check next?

 

[jaybird71]

Re: 85 HP won't start after swap.

bump

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 85 HP won't start after swap.

I'd try simple things first. The engine needs to turn at 250-300 rpm on the starter to generate any spark. Check to make sure the starter has enough power. Disconnect the red plug harness under the cowling. Jump start the stater. Check for spark. If you have spark with the harness disconnected, you may have a bad key switch or bad wiring harness.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 85 HP won't start after swap.

Speaking of simple things, How about the lanyard ????