1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

[Etadpole]

I have a 1982 70hp Johnson, it has been setting for the better part of the last 5 years. I replace the fuel lines from the fuel pump to the carbs & replaced the spark plugs. I allso added Sea foam to a fresh tank of gas. It took forever to get it to start and when it did it would only run when choked. I got an inline spark tester and I have spark to all 3 cylinders but it
still seemed to be missing. I pulled the new spark plugs and it looked like the only one that had been firing was the top cylinder. I than took a spray bottle of gas/oil mixture and sprayed into the two bottom carbs while it was idling and the motor surges. When I do the same to the top cylinder the motor dies. I cleaned the fuel pump screen and there was no change. On a side note I noticed that after I had pumped the bulb on the fuel line after several hours it is soft again. Any
help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

You need to clean the carbs if not rebuild them. It is an easy job. When you shot fuel in the cab throat and it surged that means that it is not getting fuel from that carb. It also gets it's lube from there.

 

[Etadpole]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

How much does that cost to have that done?

 

[busted-bayliner]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

i agree with fireman rebuild or at least pull the carbs an clean them
you can clean them your self carb kits are cheap

 

[egclassic]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

If you have any mechanical ability at all, you can do this yourself, it's fairly easy. Parts kits for each carb can be found for $25-35, including the float. When I did mine, I went to Autozone and bought the gallon can of parts cleaner with the dipping basket and soaked each carb for an hour or two(once completely dis-assembled). Then blew out all the passages with compressed air. Setting the float correctly is very important, but not difficult.
Having it done could cost you $200-300(?)

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

the shop here wants 392.00 to rebuild three carbs. Kits are 30.00 each. What is your time worth? Plus it's amazing what you learn when you do it yourself. They are not difficult, just pay attention. Plenty of threads on here that will guide you if you get in trouble.

 

[Etadpole]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

Thanks for the Advice.

 

[Etadpole]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

On the marine engine website there are several different rebuild kits ranging from $17.00 for OEM parts from Johnson/Evenrude to $31.00 for an OEM match made by Mercury/Quicksilver with viton gasket material. Is the more expensive kit worth double the price or is the OEM just as good? Thanks in advance.

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1982 70hp Johnson Weird fuel problem. Please HELP

OEM is good. Just make sure that it is for your model number.