1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

[bird2k4]

I have a 35 seahorse, it starts ever time with no problem, but will not stay running at idle speed, it cough and sputters and then chokes out. I replaced the carb with a new kit, put in new spark plugs, but this did not help. Also, when I have it in the water it simply will not go. I can open the throttle up all the way, and it will run like it has rope tied around the prop, yes I check for rope/fishing line. One more thing when I have it in a tank to work on it there is a lot of oil in the water, a lot, is this normal?

 

[JB]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

Hi, Bird.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />We have a forum devoted to dealing with Johnson engine troubles.<br /><br />I will move this there for you.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

Hi ya' bird....welcome to the forums.<br /><br />Let's talk tune up. Sounds like your not gettin' spark or not very good spark. But...first things first.<br /><br />You'll want a service manual. A generic from iboats would do ya' OK. Lottsa' info in them for tune ups. I'll hit the high spots.<br /><br />Compression....take compresson on each cylinder. A compression of 90psi each is great. But mainly what your looking for is that both cylinders are with in 10 to 15% of each other. So, say you have 85psi on one and 80 to 82 on the other...not bad. A decarb would also be a good thing to do.<br /><br />Take a spark test. The spark to each cylinder should jump at least a 7/16" gap with a hot white spark. If not....see below.<br /><br />Points....yer shaker is equipped with points, condensers, charge coils and ignition coils. The ignition coils are on the outside of the block and are the ones attached to the spark plugs. The charge coil, under the flywheel, gives the initial charge to the points which in turn send the charge to the ignition coils. There are two different charge coils, one is for rope start and the other is for electric start.<br /><br />Check the coil(s) for cracks. Cracks can let the spark jump to the engine block and not get to the spark plugs.<br /><br />Point gap should be set at .020 with the wiper on high cam. Check the points are not burnt. Shoot....if ya' got the flywheel off, replace them and the condensers. The ya' know there good. Might have about $20 (once ya' pay the taxes) in points and condensers.<br /><br />But I can't stress getting the manual or going to the local library and reading one. Will save you lotsa time.<br /><br />Good Luck and don't hesitate to post with more questions......thanks.

 

[bird2k4]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

Thanks OBJ,<br />I will take a look at that ASAP, what about all of the oil that is coming out of the lower unit. Is that normal? When I say oil I mean a lot. Enough to turn the water black. Smells strong, gas/oil. If that makes sense. Also if I take the flywheel off do I have to put it back on with a torque wrench? If so what lb.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

i am probably pre-propshaft hp but 35 was no points and 40 commercial had points. thru hub exhaust=35, non thru hub=40. fuel pump diaphram leaking could be excess fuel problem. this will flood the crankcase with fuel. 100-105 ft lb torque fly wheel nut after cleaning shaft and hole in flywheel with solvent to remove all traces of oil.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

Hello akriverrat...man! That's a name to spell <br /><br />My manuals tell me the CDI 35 didn't come around till '77. The '76 has thru hub exhaust. Sure hope my manuals ain't wrong <br /><br />Bird...the oil you see is probably unburnt oil from the exhaust. Your probably seeing a lot with the poor quality combustion your getting. getting the ignition system back up to par should solve that problem.<br /><br />Keep us posted.....thanks.

 

[G DANE]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

The 76 35 HP had pionts - old style low tension ignition. These normally show compression readings of 115 - 130, usually within 5 psi on both. 95 psi compression on the 20 - 35 xflow is low, but if equal, it will run fine anyway, as long as over 85 - 90.

 

[bird2k4]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

Thanks,<br />I will keep you posted.<br />so will i be able to change out the points myself,<br />or is that something i shoud have done?

 

[G DANE]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

With a manual you can change them yourselves - no problem. Just use the right puller for flywheel and dont rush. Change condensers as well - they are cheap and causes problems now and then + you will have to pull flywheel again to change them.

 

[bird2k4]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

Not to sound like a complete idiot but what do you mean by the right puller. Is that something I will have to buy? Also is there a spark plug you recommend I use for this motor.

 

[G DANE]

Re: 1976 johnson 35hp seahorse w/lots of problems.

You need a harmonic balanced puller ( steering wheel puller or similar ) NOT a brake drum puller - it WILL ruin flywheel. Can be rented or borrowed at some automotive shops. Do a search on flywheel removal here. Plugs are Champion UL81C for points ignition, only 1976, all CDI later QL77JC4