Novice needing help

[oregonranchhand]

Received an old boat from my uncle, it has a johnson 35 hp outboard, hasn't run for at least 10 years. I put it in my shop, dropped it in a barrel of water and tried to fire it up but no luck, it turns over strong, but will not fire. put new plugs in it, bought a new gas can, fuel line/bulb. After trying to turn it over I pulled the spark plugs, doesn't seem to me that there's much gas at the plug, and i'm scared to death to tear the carb apart as I don't have a manual to it.

I ran it up to a local shop this afternoon, after talking to the guy on the phone he said it would probably be an easy fix, pulled up, him and his wife turned up their noses and said they didn't want to deal with it, I know it's not pretty, and yes they had a boat there they'd really like to sale for 5 grand, but I'd like to see if I can get this running.

So - #1) where do I start looking for a model number, I'm guessing this is a 50's motor (maybe those people are right and it's junk, but I don't want to just give up).

#2) suggestion as to things I might be missing, points going bad? timing issues? I'm kind of at a lose as to where to start. Any help would be greatly appreciate.

Thanks,

John

P.S. - sorry this was so long & I can probably toss on a picture if it would help..

 

[Elbo]

Re: Novice needing help

Its a very easy motor to work on.It is a point engine,that are under the flywheel.Three things that make an engine run ,are ignition,compression,and fuel.1 compression, take the plug out and hold your thumb over the hole.If you turn the motor over ,it should blow your thumb off the hole,on each cylider.ie, compression.2fire,stick a screw driver inside the plug wire and hold the driver 1/8'' from the outside of the engine case to get a good ground.What you want to know is,if the coils will hit.It should arc, or spark across the gap you are holding.ie fire.If these are there,take a windex bottle or something like that and spray some fuel in the carb.ie fuel.Which ever one is missing is the one you will have to fix.

 

[oregonranchhand]

Re: Novice needing help

So, basicly testing things like on a lawn mower, any idea where in the world I'd find the model number at?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Novice needing help

sounds kind of shade tree to me, model # is either on a plate between and just above the transom clamps. or on the side of the engine mount. also look for a quarter size disc on the block with numbers on it.

to know if you have a good base to work with, you really need a compression guage, if rope start you will only get 60-70 psi, if electric start, using starter, 100 psi up.

you need the spark to jump 1/2 inch using a spark tester. depending on the age and model, your fuel/oil ratio is different, prior to 1964 24:1, after 1964 50:1 ratio.

read the TOP SECRET FILE, 1st thread in this forum.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Novice needing help

pretend your sitting in the driver seat in the boat. it will be on your left side. Where the engine attaches to the boat (transom) there is, or should be, a black plate saying model and serial number. ignore the serial, and post the model number.

Chances are you'll need to clean the points, and get 2 new coils.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Novice needing help

No marine dealer wants to work on these motors, they "aren't worth their time" which is kind of sad really as every single OMC product I've ever worked on wasn't running due to some sort of neglect or lack of knowledge on the owners part or 25+ yr old electronics. Stick to this site, get yourself a decent manual and the folks on this board will help you get it running, then find yourself another place to buy your parts, I wouldn't give them a cent.

PS- 50's motors are the coolest motors on the back of a boat, it's like seeing someone roll up in a 57 Chev Belair, simple, reliable and stylin'

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Novice needing help

I have a few 50's 35hp's. Find the model # and post pics if you can. They're easy to fix if you have compression. And most do.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Novice needing help

typical dealor.....they want to sell you something more expensive than fix what you have. These older engines are infact simple to work on and a major tune up can be done, for around 100 bucks. If you have to tear into the lower unit and reseal it, then you're talking at least another 40, but for the quality and reliability you'll get, it's money well spent. Fortunately, these motors are still real common and there are still lots of parts available for them.

Every week, I see a few posts coming onto this forum dealing with an old 35, so these motors are still plentiful.