1976 Johnson 85 hp idling issue

[tom5410]

I am new to outboard motors, I have brought a 76 85 hp Johnson mdl 85etlr76d back to life after sitting 6 years. I have replaced water pump, plugs, timer, power pack, fuel and fuel lines, cleaned carburetors, It had a lot of dirt dobber nest on the outside of the motor, it will start on choke and spark advanced and idle is at 1000 rpm which are high, compression test is at 120 on all four cylinder. I let it idle in a barrel.

​ My problem is at idle it is like the engine hits something, jerks real bad, and dies, it will start back up but does the same thing unless I use spark advanced than it will not die but still has the jerk but not as bad, should I go back to the carburetor and clean them again are should I be looking in another direction. Any help is greatly appreciated

 

[jakedaawg]

Sounds like you are describing a "lean sneeze". Could be several different causes. I guess I would start with a link and synch as outlined in the manual. That will get your mixture screws set properly. Then you can start looking at bad seals and what not.

 

[tom5410]

Thanks I will look at the Manual for link and synch, I was not sure which direction to head, I'll give a update if I find anything.

 

[racerone]

But, but there are no idle mixture adjusting screws on this model motor.

 

[tom5410]

So where should I go from here, I'm not sure if this is a fuel problem are electrical (ignition) problem. Any Ideals ?

 

[racerone]

?---Why did you replace timer base and powerpack ??-----Those parts are very reliable in my opinion.------Use a timing light to verify spark on all leads with engine idling.

 

[tom5410]

I had no spark on all cylinders so it came down to power pack and timer so I went ahead and replaced both from CDI, than cleaned carbs an replaced fuel lines. Started right up but had the kick to it and was idling to high.

 

[racerone]

Are all carburetor throttle plates completely closed at idle ?

 

[tom5410]

I dump a gal of fuel from one tank and put fresh oil and fuel in, replaced batteries and complete fuel lines and bulb, boat was in a slip in the air for six yrs, just trying to eliminate any problems coming up later.

 

[tom5410]

He has a wire at the base of the motor for choke, the cable is not there, but after warming up they are still open all the way and I noticed some fuel on the front of the air intake.

 

[tom5410]

If I push on the wire in they r closed but the kick in the motor will kill it, It will start back up but the kick will kill it again unless I advance the warm up lever, I'm concerned now about the fuel I saw in front of both carbs.

 

[racerone]

The question concerns the throttle plates and not the choke plates !

 

[tom5410]

Yes they r closed

 

[tom5410]

A 1/16 to 1/8 gap showing

 

[tom5410]

Yes the throttle plates r closed

 

[tom5410]

UPDATE We have success, I redid the carbs and blew them out again and no more kick, it runs the way it is suppose to. Thanks racerone and jakedaawg II really appreciate your help, this site is the greatest.