'68 V-4 85hp Johnson w/electro-matic shift

[greenacres]

I'm trying to figure out how to properly set the points on this jewel. It has 2 sets of points and the book is not clear. It does not tell me which sets of points should be open when. The flywheel has 2 timing marks on them. Also, I suspect I have a bad amplifier. Can see no voltage from the amp to the coil. This thing is going to cost upwards of $300 bones and I want to make sure it's bad before I scrap the motor. Already put too much time and money into it to spend an extra $300. I am troubleshooting a no-spark problem. Compresssion is 120 per cylinder, brand new wiring harness, solenoid, and regulator. Need some help. I do have 12 v going to the amp, and can read 12 v going to the points when they are both open.

 

[almost retired again]

Re: '68 V-4 85hp Johnson w/electro-matic shift

Hey Greenacres,<br />Those points should be set at the higest spot on the cam rotate it around and set the next set at the same spot on the cam, each set should be set at.020" If you find that the amp is bad don't junk it you can still make it into a batt. type system with out much trouble.<br />Let us know how it works out

 

[Franki]

Re: '68 V-4 85hp Johnson w/electro-matic shift

Don't scrap the motor, those things are great, and you still have good compression as well.<br /><br />That motor is a prime canditate for the "car coil" setup.. I wish mine had been but my 100HP V4 is a couple of years newer and has no points, so I had to get a new powerpack. (or find the stuff from a 68-71 model and change everything over.) the powerpack cost me $400.<br /><br />Also, on our trading paper here, there is a V4 up for wrecking every other week. and I have gotten some parts very very cheap.<br /><br />If do do change to the car coil setup, clean the points,,, alot.. they are small points and not really designed for the load a car coil would put on them, but I have an outboard mechanic over here that swears by the conversion.<br /><br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[firemedic19077]

Re: '68 V-4 85hp Johnson w/electro-matic shift

I have a 1968 Evinrude with a 85 hp also. Manual shift here, I am having a difficult time getting her started. I had to rebuild the starter from getting all over her. Once it is started, it ppuuurrr like a kitten. What is involved in that conversion? Parts and instructions would be great.

 

[CAPTBLACKSMARINE]

Re: '68 V-4 85hp Johnson w/electro-matic shift

IF THE POINTS ON YOUR 85 ARE UNDER THE FLYWHEEL I THINK THEY SET AT .010 NOT .020 . BUT AS THE OTHERS HAVE SAID THEY ARE GREAT MOTORS.

 

[greenacres]

Re: '68 V-4 85hp Johnson w/electro-matic shift

Great information from all replies and thanks for the help. What is involved in the car coil set up? Didn't get a chance to work on it over the weekend (honey-do projects) but will take your advice on the point set up soon.