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    1972 Johnson 85 wiring question

    I seem to recall hearing something about some service bulletins for this engine regarding modifiying the wiring when removing the clipper and for the choke solenoid. <br /><br />Can anyone confirm this and if so, what are the modifications? Also, what is the reasoning for removing the clipper...
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    1972 Johnson 85 running rough

    My 1972 Johnson 85 started running really bad yesterday. Here is a history of what happened:<br /><br />1. Last time I had it out 2 wks ago it ran great. 5500 RPMs on choppy water. Had a problem where there was a loose connection in wiring harness.<br /><br />2. Boat sat 2 weeks outside in...
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    Problem with points/crankshaft cam

    I have a 1972 Johnson 85HP engine. The top of the crankshaft has two lobes on it for opening and closing the points. I am supposed to set my points at .010". The problem is that the lobes are not the same height so if I set the points at .010" on one lobe, when I rotate the crank to the other...
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    '72 Johnson 85 Reverse Lock question

    My boat motor manual says that if I hit something underwater, the reverse lock will still let the motor tilt. Can someone explain how that will happen since it is locked to the tilt pin?<br /><br />Just curious how it works.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Gary
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    Foam rubber in cowling is flaking off

    The foam rubber insulation inside my engine cover of my 1972 Johnson 85 is very old and flakes off whenever it is touched. This stuff can't be good for the carbs.<br /><br />I'd like to replace the foam rubber with some new stuff. Can I use normal foam rubber or is the stuff in the cover...
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    Johnson 85 V4 - only 2 cylinders firing

    I put my boat in the water yesterday and when I started it up it was running on only 2 cylinders (#2 & #4). I noticed that while it was idling that #1 & #3 eventually started firing as well. After awhile, it was running pretty smooth. I could tell it was #1 & #3 that were bad because I pulled...
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    Checking thrermostat on 1972 Johnson 85

    Is it possible to check the thermostat on a 1972 Johnson 85 without removing the powerhead? I don't know if it has ever been replaced or what kind of shape. Should I even bother?
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    Electrical problem - 85ESL72

    I have a weird problem that happens only occasionally which makes it hard to troubleshoot. Perhaps someone will have an idea of what is going on based on experience.<br /><br />The engine runs fine but if I run it hard and then cut the power off really fast sometimes when I try to restart it, I...
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    How to mix fuel accurately

    Here is a helpful tip for mixing fuel accurately. There are probably easier ways but I have found that this way works well.<br /><br />First buy some of those small bottles that hold 16 oz of 2 cycle oil. For 50:1, that works for 6 gallons. When you put gas in, first put in 6 gallons, then...
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    Oily/crusty sparkplugs in Johnson 85

    I checked my plugs and they are quite oily and with loose carbon on them. I picked up a spray can of decarbonizer. Will that fix it up?
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    1972 Johnson 85 tries to run backwards

    My boat had been sitting all winter and I recently tried to get it running again. It is a 1972 Johnson 85. Before I started it up, I cleaned the carbs by taking them apart, dipping them, and reassembling them with new float, gaskets, etc. When I try to start the engine but doesn't fire. Now...
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