85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

I

ikow

Cadet

Joined

Jan 9, 2011

Messages

20

• Oct 19, 2011

• #1

I have a 85 hp Johnson Seahorse. It is a turn key. When I try to start it won't start unless I spray fuel directly into the carb (couple of sprays)then it will shut off. I have to continue spraying for it to stay on. Then once the fuel circulates it stays on by itself. I already cleaned the carbs, and replaced one of the float needles. It is getting some fuel to the carb but I am not sure if it's enough. If anyone have any suggestions please let me know.

 

SparkieBoat

Captain

Joined

Aug 17, 2009

Messages

3,643

• Oct 19, 2011

• #2

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

you have a carb/fuel issue, most likely..but follow the instructions in my sig below.

 

I

ikow

Cadet

Joined

Jan 9, 2011

Messages

20

• Oct 19, 2011

• #3

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

ok. I did a compression test and there is 120+ in each. I already replace all the plugs. I dont think there is enough fuel getting to the carbs being that i have to spray more for it to start. I am thinking it's the carbs. What do you guys think?

 

B

boobie

Supreme Mariner

Joined

Nov 5, 2009

Messages

20,826

• Oct 19, 2011

• #4

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

Fuel pump? Will it keep running if you pump the primer bulb?

 

E

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner

Joined

Dec 9, 2005

Messages

11,551

• Oct 19, 2011

• #5

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

Is your choke functioning properly?

 

I

ikow

Cadet

Joined

Jan 9, 2011

Messages

20

• Oct 20, 2011

• #6

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

emdsapmgr said:

Is your choke functioning properly?

Click to expand...

The only way it will start is if I spray fuel directly into the carb. Once it starts it will stay on by itself no problem. The fuel pump looks pretty new on there.

 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian

Staff member

Joined

May 19, 2001

Messages

26,022

• Oct 20, 2011

• #7

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

Does your motor have a choke or a fuel primer (powered by a solenoid)? Which ever you have is it working??? Have you checked your fuel pump too? If you have any air leaks in the system or in the gaskets it will cause the same issues too.

 

E

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner

Joined

Dec 9, 2005

Messages

11,551

• Oct 20, 2011

• #8

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

It would be helpful to all of us if you posted the model number of your engine. They made an 85 from 1968 through 1980 and again from 1991 through 1995.

 

I

ikow

Cadet

Joined

Jan 9, 2011

Messages

20

• Oct 20, 2011

• #9

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

it has a choke on the ignition and a manual choke on the motor. they both work.

 

SparkieBoat

Captain

Joined

Aug 17, 2009

Messages

3,643

• Oct 20, 2011

• #10

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

I guess that means it is a 1970s model motor with the choke butterflies...make sure they are BOTH closing ALL the way when the choke is applied. I will assume that the motor runs out fine after you get it cranked, not just idling but under power. so then that is about the only problem you could have..

 

I

ikow

Cadet

Joined

Jan 9, 2011

Messages

20

• Oct 20, 2011

• #11

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

the mocel # is 85eL77s it is a 1977.

 

E

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner

Joined

Dec 9, 2005

Messages

11,551

• Oct 21, 2011

• #12

Re: 85 HP Johnson seahorse won't start

May be time to consider some carb overhauls. If the choke butterflys are closing fully and the engine still won't start/run, it is possible that the carb is gummed up. Not unusual if the engine was not run for a long period of time. Fuel can dry up inside the carb passages, causing running issues. You can't dissolve the dried fuel without completely disassembling the carbs and cleaning them with a gas solvent, like a Gumout type product.