How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

[brettule]

Way out here down the bottom of Australia I've inherited a beautifual 18' power boat with the Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C outboard engine on it. Problem I have is that there is no owners manual. A quick scan of the internet and there are several US websites offering the hard copy of the manual but they don't ship to Australia. A PDF would be nice!

So failing that I'm hoping someone here can help me, a complete novice to boating and this engine. I've some basic understand of the motor but if someone can explain the starting process for me it would help a lot. I think I've flooded it twice now because I don't know what I'm doing. Maybe if someone could copy the instructions from the manual for me and type them here?

1. Hook up fuel lines and pump the bulb until it's hard. How hard? Should I be wary not to over pump it?
2. The ignition system has a "warmup" lever, I lift this up? How high? How long do I leave it up? What is it?
3. The ignition key can be pressed in and turned or just turned, is this a choke? How does it work? When should I use it? How many times should I attempt to crank the engine over with it pressed?
4. If I lift the cover off the engine there is a choke lever which has an on or off postion. What postion should this be in and when would I use this?

Cheers everyone.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

Oooops, just saw the COLD START thread. I think that answers my questions.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

How long would the engine need to rest for on the water on an average day before I'd need to perform another cold start procedure?

 

[customvs]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

How long would the engine need to rest for on the water on an average day before I'd need to perform another cold start procedure?

after my initial cold start procedure,and after a 2 minute run,mine starts warm start rest of the day,i have a 81 Johno 60hp,So id guess they would be similar,A few trips and you will soon sort out how it all operates.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

after my initial cold start procedure,and after a 2 minute run,mine starts warm start rest of the day,i have a 81 Johno 60hp,So id guess they would be similar,A few trips and you will soon sort out how it all operates.

Even once you get it in off the water, back home and run fresh water through the engine... still warm starting then?

 

[customvs]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

Even once you get it in off the water, back home and run fresh water through the engine... still warm starting then?

yes,then to finish off i pull the fuel hose from the motor and let it drain the carbs of fuel,some do,some dont,this works well for my engine,and makes starting next time very easy

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

Not sure if you contacted the correct publisher-the factory authorized company that provides original operator's and service manuals for older OMC and Bombardier Products. That company is: Outboardbooks.com. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

Not sure if you contacted the correct publisher-the factory authorized company that provides original operator's and service manuals for older OMC and Bombardier Products. That company is: Outboardbooks.com. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

$130 for shipping a $30 owners manual, that's rediculas.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

yes,then to finish off i pull the fuel hose from the motor and let it drain the carbs of fuel,some do,some dont,this works well for my engine,and makes starting next time very easy

How long do I need to run fresh water through the engine for?

 

[hidef]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

I use to do 10 - 15 minutes or so you want the thermostats to open up to make sure she is flushed. When you start getting hot water out of it you know the are opening up. your pre-mix is 50:1 TC-W3 oil and I always run stable in my tank. Disconnect the fuel hose at the end of the day and don't run the engine dry it is not good for a two stroke to do that.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

I always run stable in my tank. Disconnect the fuel hose at the end of the day and don't run the engine dry it is not good for a two stroke to do that.

What do you mean by I always run stable in my tank? Is this an additive?

My main fuel tank inboard has no fuel guage unfortunately so I was planning on running the engine until the fuel cuts out then switch to reserve and head back to shore. Not sure how else I could approach this.

 

[hidef]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

It is a fuel stabilizer / additive it keeps gasoline from breaking down North American fuel is crap. Too bad about not having fuel gauge just make sure you reserve has plenty to get back home. The Ocean can be a lonely place with no fuel.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

What's the mileage I can expect from this engine?

 

[hidef]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

I believe wide open that thing will drink 8 - 10 gallons an hour. If you are cruising at 3/4 throttle I would expect 5-6 gallons an hour. It all depends on how you drive it.

 

[brettule]

Re: How do I operate a 1978 Johnson 85hp 85ETLR78C

North American fuel is crap.

I can choose 94, 96 or 98 octane rated fuel here. Since I have such a thirstly old beast on an engine is there any merit in buying the higher octance stuff?