1969 85hp Johnson binding spark advance?

[tbone1064]

I just picked up an older v4 85hp Johnson with a problem that I've never seen before.

When the engine is cold, the spark advance plate moves freely when pulled by the throttle linkage. However, after the motor warms up, the plate binds up so tight that it locks up the throttle lever at the remote.

I've removed the cable from the motor and the remote handle moves freely, so I know that the problem is not in the remote. After pushing the advance plate back by hand (very tight) the throttle moves easy.

I plan to pull the flywheel tomorrow and check things out.

I forgot to add that the motor start right up seems to run fine at wot, but after running for a while you can't pull the throtle back past 1/2 way. Not a real safe way to operate......

 

[F_R]

Re: 1969 85hp Johnson binding spark advance?

You are heading in the right direction. Remove the timer plate and clean it up and relube.

 

[tbone1064]

Re: 1969 85hp Johnson binding spark advance?

Pulled the flywheel, cleaned up the timing plate, relubed and put back together.

I noticd that the stator ring was fused to the distributor.

Is this a sign that the stator is getting too hot?

Shorted rectifier?

Hopefully get to the lake tomorrow and try things out.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1969 85hp Johnson binding spark advance?

I really dunno why the stators get tight on the dist cap. I always thought it was the cap expanded. But Yes, I have seen it happen and just put them back like that and they worked. So far.

 

[tbone1064]

Re: 1969 85hp Johnson binding spark advance?

Thanks for the help F R.

I got a chance to run the motor yesterday, and the spark advance plate now moves freely.

I also did not try to remove the stator from the distributor. The replacement costs for those parts would have slammed my checking account pretty hard!

The only other concern I have with this motor is with the voltmeter reading I'm getting. Shows 15 volts after operating at wot for a while. The motor only has a rectifier not a rectifier & regulator.

Am I in danger of frying the amplifier?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1969 85hp Johnson binding spark advance?

That is normal voltage for an unregulated system. Could even climb a tad higher. Not to worry.