1985 20ho Johnson issue

[klaehn88]

Just got the motor. Took it out for test #1 and didn't start/run well, not much power so I cleaned the carb and put new plugs in. Test number #2 started and idled better but just no power. While still on the water I pulled the plug wires off and inspected them and gave them a little squeeze with the pliers. One was a little rusty at the cap. I pulled the bottom wire while it was still running and it seemed that cylinder was not getting spark- engine sounded same as when wire was on. Put them back on. Started up up still no power. Wiggled them around a little and wow all the sudden now it's running like it should. Ran it, shut it off, started it back up a number of times with no problems so I figured OK I'll put new wires on it.

Test#3 with the new wires... back to the no power issue. Put the old plug wires back on still no power. Took them on and off a number of times - then all the sudden it snapped out of it. Both wires had spark. Ran great for couple restarts then back to running like crap...

What else should I be looking into now?? Am I really looking at a spark issue or something else

Also this motor has a primer on it, why does it need that along with the bulb??

Thanks, any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[flyingscott]

Go to www.cdielectronics.com to look up the test procedures for the ignition I would start with the powerpack. The primer bulb on the fuel line only fills the carb. The primer on the motor pushes fuel directly into the crankcase to make it start easier, it replaces the choke from earlier model motors. The primer works much better than a choke.

 

[oldboat1]

In reading your post, I was thinking spring clips in the boots. Spike has to make a solid connection.

 

[F_R]

Pull the boot off the wire (squirt some WD-40 in it first). I think you will find the problem.