Really need help 89 Johnson 70HP Wont Start

[wilson973]

I just bought a boat and a 1989 70 hp Johnson with it. My problem is I have fire at all 3 plugs and if I try to crank it it just turns over. I little bit of bluish smoke comes out of the prop. I pull the plugs and all 3 have fresh gas on them. So I assume im getting gas to all 3 cylinders. I know it is pumping gas to all 3 carbs, Ive checked that. I thought maybe a kill switch was keeping it from firing, so I pulled the kill switch lock from the control box. Without the little snapper in the correct position I dont get no spark, So I have ruled out the kill switch idea. Can anyone please give me some help, and get me in the right direction. My wife will kill me if I have to drop alot of money in this engine.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Really need help 89 Johnson 70HP Wont Start

So have you ever heard the boat run, or did you buy it without testing? Did you put new gas in it? Then you need to check compression and make sure the spark is a good blue snap that will jump 7/16". Report the numbers back here. The move onto fuel troubleshooting (actually easier to rebuild everything and replace all lines). Read the Top secret file at the top of the forum, a lot of good info in there. And get a OEM manual.

 

[wilson973]

Re: Really need help 89 Johnson 70HP Wont Start

Yes I did hear it run. It was running rough on Wednesday thats when I discovered one of the carbs wasnt spraying gas. I took the carb off and found the seat was stock. Replaced it and now all 3 carbs are spraying gas. I just replaced the coil pack when I bought a month ago. After I replaced the carb. it just spins over. It is shooting a really good blue spark closer to a half inch. Just put new plugs in it. There is even gas on the plugs itself. Not alot but some. But yes I did hear it run 3 days ago. It was running rough . I sprayed starting fluid in the carb that wasnt spraying and it leveled out perfect for a second. Thats how I discoved no gas. After it leveled out for about 4 seconds it started running rough again and then it just died. Hasnt started since.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Really need help 89 Johnson 70HP Wont Start

Too much fuel OR not enough fuel and the motor will not start.

Dirty carbs are THE most common problem with outboards.

First, check for flooding, with the engine sit LEVEL, open the throttle fully and watch down the carb throats while squeezing the primer bulb.

Do you see ANY fuel leaking?

Remove the plugs, clean them. Pull the lanyard to kill the ignition, open the throttle and crank the motor 10 - 15 seconds to clear any excessive fuel from the cyl's.

Reinstall the plugs and the lanyard.

Starting proceedure on a cold motor can make a difference.

What works for me is;

Turn the water on with the muffs attached.

Pump the primer bulb up to firm but do NOT squeeze it so hard that you overcome the float/needle valves and flood the motor.

Open the throttle to the 'Fast Idle' position.

Turn the Ignition ON, 'Push' the key 'In' to activate the Enrichener and HOLD it there for 2 seconds, while holding the key IN crank the motor, release the key when it fires.

Be prepared to momentarily 'Bump' the key IN against if the motor speed begins to falter, also be prepare to pull the throttle back it engine speed is too high.

Continue 'Bumping' the Enrichener as necessary until the motor warms enough for RPM to stabilize.

 

[wilson973]

Re: Really need help 89 Johnson 70HP Wont Start

Ok I did a compression check. I have 105 on 1, 105 on 2nd, and 112 on the 3rd. cylinder. I checked gas. Good gas. Looked in carb while pumping ball couldnt see gas but heard it sprayng and after 3 pumps gas was running out of all 3 carbs. Pulled all plugs and turned motor over for 10-20 seconds. mist of gas coming out. Rechecked all plugs and have a good spark on all 3. I am lost again now. While tring to crank blue smoke comes out of prop like exhaust. Not alot but some.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Really need help 89 Johnson 70HP Wont Start

Looked in carb while pumping ball couldnt see gas but heard it sprayng and after 3 pumps gas was running out of all 3 carbs.

Serious flooding.

Remove the carbs for cleaning. Install carb rebuild kits (@ 22.00 each)

Pay attention to setting float levels.

Just another thought,

If the fuel enrichener solenoid is turned ON, or leaking, that would flood the motor.

Before removing the carbs, pull one of the fuel lines from between the enrichener and the intake, squeeze the primer to see if fuel is leaking in there.

If not then proceed with the carb cleaning.

 

[wilson973]

Re: Really need help 89 Johnson 70HP Wont Start

I got it fixed. It was the half moon key on the flywheel. It was sheared off. Went to the hardware store and bought a pack of 10 for $2.35. Came home put it in and it fired right up like a new engine. Thanks for all the advice.