Re: 1973 Evinrude 85 hp won't start??????
I have a 73 johnson 135 v4. Probably like this engine of yours. It doesnt have points but a power pack and cd ignition. If you are getting spark, then the ignition is "live" and motor should run if you have compression and fuel. Have you checked your compression? Assuming it ok, then I bet you have a fuel problem. It can be hard to get fuel in if motor is not set up properly. The choke needs to be applied and the throttle flappers must be open enough to get the choked fuel charge into the engine. Mine was mis adjusted so the throttle flapers weren't open enough even with the throttle lever pulled up all the way, so it was real hard to start. A first check would be to squirt some premix into the carbs Past the throttle flapers in the carb barrels and see if you get life. Good luck and get a service manual to read how to set up choke and throttle with timing advance etc. You can read about my engine in my history, something like "73 135 Johnson summary" Good luck. Also, you should go through the carbs to make sure the jets passages are clean and the floats are set up right. I am almost sure yu have a simple fuel delivery problem.
