1978 Johnson Seahorse (85hp) - No Get Up & Go

[jmord]

I have a 78 Johnson Seahorse (85hp) that has lost it's power upon take-off (as in a quick burst to help get water skiers/tubers going). I have replaced two coils within the last year. Compression is 101 & 106 on left side & 110 & 109 on right side. Have changed and properly gapped plugs. Carb and fuel filter are very clean. Still, the engine feels like it just isn't taking off right. Any suggestions?

 

[Big Rod]

Re: 1978 Johnson Seahorse (85hp) - No Get Up & Go

jmord, RPM comparisons past and present would help narrow down the problem. The compression readings are falling off a little but not to the point that you should experience a great loss of power. Any misfire? Are all cyls. firing? Is timing fully advanced? Are carbs. fully open? Is lower unit full of oil and not water? Start with those possibilities...

 

[Big Rod]

Re: 1978 Johnson Seahorse (85hp) - No Get Up & Go

jmord, RPM comparisons past and present would help narrow down the problem. The compression readings are falling off a little but not to the point that you should experience a great loss of power. Any misfire? Are all cyls. firing? Is timing fully advanced? Are carbs. fully open? Is lower unit full of oil and not water? Start with those possibilities...

 

[jmord]

Re: 1978 Johnson Seahorse (85hp) - No Get Up & Go

Thanks Big Rod for your advice. I'm experiencing no missfiring or backfiring with engine & it idles fine. The carbs are wide open & I drained/refilled lower unit within the last 30 days. I'll check on the timing & whether all cylinders are firing.