1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

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Nastynate6009

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So the boat has been sitting for a year or so. I had the tank disconnected for the last 6 months. Time to fix up the boat and either sell it or start taking it out.

I cleaned the carb, replaced a fuel line, checked fuel filter, checked spark. Everything up to par so far. Brand new gas, gas tank, hose, and bulb.

I got it to ALMOST start twice. This thing ran like a champ before sitting. I have done some looking around and I think I covered everything but I am no boat motor expert. This was my first boat.

Maybe I didnt cover something or missed something completely.


Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks
 
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Daviet

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Compression ok?
Try squirting some fuel into the carb and see if it will fire, if so you have a fuel delivery problem. Check the fuel line connections, fuel pump flow and pressure.
 
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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Daviet said:
Compression ok?
Try squirting some fuel into the carb and see if it will fire, if so you have a fuel delivery problem. Check the fuel line connections, fuel pump flow and pressure.
Click to expand...

I tried some starter fluid... nothing....

compression seems ok but the again I dont have any way to check it besides pulling with spark plugs in and pulling without and I do feel more pressure with plugs in.


ALSO when I start it up I dont use a hose and ear muff I always put it in a cooler to flush it out while running. Now trying to start it after 20 or so pulls I let it set for an hour and now there is a good amount of oil on the surface of the water. Its coming from 2 places. Not any seals anywhere looks like exhaust port and something else.
 
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Daviet

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

You shouldn't use starting fluid, no lube in it.
Have you checked for spark, will it jump a 7/16" air gap and is it bright blue?
Oil on the water is most likely unburn't fuel, make sure the water level in the cooler is above the water pump.
 
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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Daviet said:
You shouldn't use starting fluid, no lube in it.
Have you checked for spark, will it jump a 7/16" air gap and is it bright blue?
Oil on the water is most likely unburn't fuel, make sure the water level in the cooler is above the water pump.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick replies.


No more starter fluid ill grab a spray bottle and fill it up. The bright blue is iffy to me. The coils were replaced 3-4 years ago by the previous owner. Would it be a good idea just to grab some new plugs and wires? Or maybe buy a cheap compression tester? Places to buy and reasonably priced?
 
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Daviet

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Try some of your local auto parts stores, some will rent or loan compression and spark testers.
Check the compression, would be great if it was about 85-90 on a pull start, but should be within 10% of each other.
Check the spark, make sure it will jump a 7/16" air gap, is so no need to replace the wires, might not hurt to have new plugs.
If both of those check out, you have a fuel problem.
All it takes to make your engine run is timed spark, fuel and compression.
 
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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Daviet said:
Try some of your local auto parts stores, some will rent or loan compression and spark testers.
Check the compression, would be great if it was about 85-90 on a pull start, but should be within 10% of each other.
Check the spark, make sure it will jump a 7/16" air gap, is so no need to replace the wires, might not hurt to have new plugs.
If both of those check out, you have a fuel problem.
All it takes to make your engine run is timed spark, fuel and compression.
Click to expand...

So yea I ran to harborfreight and bought that cheap compression tester and getting 0 both upper and lower. I had someone hold the gauge to make sure and it might have jumped to 10 but the tester wasnt holding the pressure to make an accurate reading. So just to make sure ill be returning it and rechecking but I have a feeling im in a tight spot now. SO head gasket or rings. Is there a distributor online you recommend?
 
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Daviet

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Check with your local auto parts stores, they usually sell compression testers.
 
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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Daviet said:
Check with your local auto parts stores, they usually sell compression testers.
Click to expand...

Well ill swap out the compression tester I got from HF and try again. Worst case scenario its going to be a head gasket and/or rings. Is there a good engine tear down manual online and where might I find a good retailer for the parts i need?
 
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Daviet

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

I don't know of any manual is available on-line, but you can buy parts here at iboats or several other on-line sites.
 
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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Daviet said:
I don't know of any manual is available on-line, but you can buy parts here at iboats or several other on-line sites.
Click to expand...

Yea im sort of lost buying parts already. Is there a model number I should be looking for?
 
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Daviet

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

There should be a model and serial number on a plate on the transom bracket. You want to use the model number to make sure to get the correct parts for your engine. Post your model number and I will see if I can help you find parts.
 
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AlTn

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

"it ran like a champ before sitting" and it's sat "for a year"....I really doubt it needs much to get it running well again.Did you use a screw in type compression tester? did you screw it in up to the oring? did you push the compression release button a couple of times and are certain that it reseated? Your rings MAY be stuck some, but doubtful. If you still had any old fuel anywhere in the fuel system < fuel pump> when you primed it with new fuel, then the 2 have mixed and that will result in a funky mixture that might not burn.

I'd try this, pull the sparkplugs and squirt some fuel mix into each cylinder, replace the plugs, and try to start it. Anything? If so, try squirting some fuel mix into the carb throat and try to start it. If it didn't try to fire when you put mix in the sparkplug holes, recheck your spark's ability to jump a 7/16" open air gap.
 
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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

I checked the tester at work hooking it up to the compressor while it was building pressure. Shut it off and the tester stayed on par with the compressor reading. It was late last night while I was running the compression check and i was in a really crappy mood so I don't know if I seated the ring down flush I just turned till it stopped and didnt double check if I got good contact. I replaced fuel lines flushed the filter and cleaned the carb. Everything from the carb back is either new or flushed clean. Prime bulb and tank are new. Plugs need to be rechecked Im somewhat doubtful of good spark. On that pull start the motor moves a bit when my wife is tugging on it so its a little hard to see.

Thank you guys for all the help I need to recheck a few things in a calmer mood. After replacing the floor, battery, fuel tank, every last piece of wire, bilge pump hose, axle, tires and rims I was over stressed when the damn motor wouldn't turn over.
 
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AlTn

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

yeah and it's been really hot to boot...rig up or simply purchase an open air gap spark tester...most auto parts places have them for ~$10...set the gap to 7/16"...remove both sparkplugs and ground the lead not being tested, the tester grounds the other...doing this without being in full light helps in seeing the spark...both leads should produce a whitish/blue spark..< suggest you do the pulling and mate do the viewing, especially if the heat doesn't relent >
 
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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

ok so I pulled the head off and now have a list of parts I am in need of. The rings look fine on the pistons, no gaps that I can see.
Head gasket ---- GLM 34570 - Sierra
water head gasket ----- GLM 33560 - Sierra
water impeller -----sierra 18-3051
and a thermostat -----sierra 18-3543

Figured while I was in there I might as well do it all.

Model is j25rcnb im going to do my own searching but some reassurance would help. I think these are all correct for my 1985 johnson seahorse 25.


Bought a spark tester and jumps the 7/16 bright blue so were all good there.
 
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Daviet

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Nastynate6009

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

Thank you so much for the help. Is one brand know for being American made over another?

Is there anything else I should be replacing while im under the hood. Got new plugs already.
 
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AlTn

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

country of origin..don't know...good idea to surface the head while waiting for parts...just do a search and you'll find the procedure
 
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Daviet

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Re: 1985 Johnson 25 pull start (wont start)

I have used all the manufactures listed in the sites that I posted will good results, wouldn't be afraid to use any of them.
 
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