Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

whiskerchasin

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 25, 2011
Messages
45
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

hey jetterbug, which way is the red lever on the primer solenoid pointing?
 

Haffiman

Commander
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
2,454
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Correct position for 'running', no fuel out of the small priming hoses:
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jetterbug

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
133
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Yep that how mine looks. I'm sure its bad. It gets power but doesn't do anything. The red lever is pointed back like the pic. Another problem is I think the key switch is bad due to power to the solenoid even in the ON position.
 

Haffiman

Commander
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
2,454
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Disconnect the purple/white lead that comes from the harness to the solenoid, then test as mentioned above.
Lever as shown - no fuel in the small lines.
Lever turned 90 degree - fuel in the small lines.
 

jetterbug

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
133
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Now I have both carbs off. took off fuel bowl.. looked pretty clean. made sure all passages clear. Anything else I should check before I put these back on? Not much to em. I can see where they have been off before. The PO had told me "It needs carb kits" . All the gaskets look good and were able to reuse...
 

Haffiman

Commander
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
2,454
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Now I have both carbs off. took off fuel bowl.. looked pretty clean. made sure all passages clear. Anything else I should check before I put these back on? Not much to em. I can see where they have been off before. The PO had told me "It needs carb kits" . All the gaskets look good and were able to reuse...
Watch out for the gaskets under the top plates.
The old types are in 'one piece' and has a tendency of gong down in the idle and intermediate channel in the carb body. The newer type has a cut-out for these channels, at least the OEM gaskets have. If old type, change or at least cut out with a sharp knife.
 

jetterbug

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
133
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Thanks Haffiman. You have been very helpful. I have the "cut outs" under top plates. I'm going to go ahead and re-install carbs so I can rule this out of the equation. Thanks again, kind sir.
 

jetterbug

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
133
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Well, bad news. I decided to take in to a reputable marine mechanic and he told me one cylinder is scored and the crankcase is leaking. He said he wouldn't rebuild due to its age! I've got over a grand in this with all new parts. Should I get a second opinion or bite the bullet? He said he has a 1993 Evinrude 60 with a fresh rebuild and a year warranty for $3100! I about had the BIG one. Any ideas?
 

Haffiman

Commander
Joined
Dec 17, 2009
Messages
2,454
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

A re-bore of a cylinder is not such a big deal, and the 'leaking' crank case will be sealed at the same time. Not to rebuild 'due to AGE' seems a bit odd, those engines are more or less the same up to mid 90's! Not rebuild due to condition might be another question??
 

jetterbug

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
133
Re: Need help getting 85 Johnson 90 to start! Please

Well, I guess I'm going to try to rebuild this one then! As far as parts go, pistons and rings are readily available? Would one do all 4 cylinders, or just the scored one? Can all work be done with motor still on boat? Sorry for all the newbie questions. Thanks for any input.
 
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