6hp Johnson Seahorse 1985 (mystery knob)

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ebb222

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Hello, recently picked up 85' 6hp Johnson. Starts and runs ok in bucket. My question is regarding a dial on the end of throttle I can't figure out. It clicks to a clockwise, counter-clockwise position. There's a rubber button at very end that is a kill switch. The dial doesn't seem to lock the kill switch in either position. Any ideas as to its purpose?

Also, reading the posts regarding oil/gas ratios, I'm seeing people recommend changing the 100:1 mix (as stated on outboard) to a 50:1. Should I assume this is the case and change my mixture?

Thanks for any help, John
 
kenmyfam

kenmyfam

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Re: 6hp Johnson Seahorse 1985 (mystery knob)

Use 50 to 1 mix.
my 2 cents and welcome to iboats
 
Vic.S

Vic.S

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Re: 6hp Johnson Seahorse 1985 (mystery knob)

Very definitely 50:1

OMC "went over " to 100:1 in 1985. By 1988 they realised that was a mistake and retuned to 50:1. All references to 100:1 should have been removed from your motor back then and the owners manual amended as well !

The knob on the end of the tiller is the idle speed adjustment but needs a fair bit of turning to make much difference

Turn it anticlockwise and you should then be able to close the throttle a little further and vice versa but don't force it clockwise, open the throttle a bit first

You dont have friction adjust on the twist grip unless its a sail version, J8RSLCOB . That would have have clamp at the other end of the twist grip so you can tighten that to stop the annoying habit of the throttle slowly closing on its own!

Ask now if there is anything else you need to know, while the owners manual is by my elbow!
 
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ebb222

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Re: 6hp Johnson Seahorse 1985 (mystery knob)

Thanks, I will definately change the mix. I looked the part up on the website suggested by Kenmyfam which says its a stop switch assembly. The outboard is the sail version J6SLCOB and has the clamp on the other end of the tiller. So the knob itself is for idle speed adjustment. Is this something I need to fiddle with or can I leave it in one position and forget about it? I'm not clear how or in what circumstances I would use this adjustment.

Thanks for the responses, this forum is a great resource. John
 
Vic.S

Vic.S

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Re: 6hp Johnson Seahorse 1985 (mystery knob)

Is this something I need to fiddle with or can I leave it in one position and forget about it? I'm not clear how or in what circumstances I would use this adjustment.
Click to expand...
Once you have set it to the right speed you'll not normally need to touch it. Rather like the mixture adjustment knob in that respect. Although on boats used for fishing I think it may be useful to use it to adjust the trolling speed.

You're lucky with the clamp. Mine is a '84 model and for some reason they did not fit them to those. PITA because it wont stay set, slowly closes on its own . Well it did, I have put a friction washer in the linkages but if 20 odd years ago I'd kmown what I know now I'd have bought the clamp and fitted it but when I asked I was told I'd have to fit a whole tiller assembly .. idiots on stands at boat shows :mad:

BTW any problems with water flow ... suspect the grommet at the top of the water tube !
 
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Wee Hooker

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Re: 6hp Johnson Seahorse 1985 (mystery knob)

I have the same motor in an 86'( despite constant offers from people to buy it from me. !) One of OMC's great designs IMHO. Easy starting, Very light for it's power, SMOOTH running, sips fuel and push's a 14' aluminum boat with two big guys, bushels of gear and a thanksgiving feast to 14 mPH. As mentioned the knob is for low speed idle adjustment (per my experience AND factory owners manual.).

I run mine on good quality 50:1 (with a splash of Seafoam) and nothing else. Very reliable motor.
 
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racerone

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You set the mixture knob for smoothest idle.----Adjust it when the motor is warmed up and in gear.---Make sure the motor has a thermostat too.----Install a new impeller if you just bought this motor.
 
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