85 HP Johnson

[Stumpys]

OK, Here we go....<br /><br />I bought this 1978 85 HP Javelin that had been sitting for a few years. Now I do know that first you should go through the routine of new pump, spark plugs, rebuild fuel pump and carbs, etc.<br /><br />I did everything but rebuild the carbs because they were put on brand new by the previous owner (I knew him) He ran them dry before he stored the motor.<br /><br />First day out it ran fine, but I was only out for a half hour. Second time out, it ran like crap.... Fuel bulb does not stay hard, and when pumping up the fuel bulb, it the fuel just runs out. I still do not see where it is coming from!<br /><br />Anyway, I have a couple of questions.... First, when I give her all she got, with the motor trimmed down, she only runs at 3000 RPM's. As I trim her up, she will run at 4500 RPM's, but I have noticed that it will only run at 28 MPH. The first time out, it ran at 38 MPH. Is this normal as you trim up to get the varying RPM's?<br /><br />Second, I know that I am going to rebuild the carbs (duh) I should have done that anyway, but is this motor supposed to run faster than my old 65 HP Merc, which ran the same speed as this one does? It just seems really slow when the motor is trimmed all the way in. Maybe I need a class in trimming out the motor???? <br /><br />Sorry for the really long post...

 

[DJ]

Re: 85 HP Johnson

That engine should be set up to run at least 5500 rpm. It should definetely outrun your 65.<br /><br />Rebuild the carbs and report back.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: 85 HP Johnson

Stumpy, DJ is right on here. I had the same problem with my 85 it had sat for 2 years and would finally reach 4800 so I rebuilt the carbs and now will get to 6000 if I want to push her that hard.<br />Be sure and soak them real good and blow out all the little passages.

 

[Stumpys]

Re: 85 HP Johnson

Gonna do it tonight at work. I will keep ya'll posted.<br /><br />I did notice taking the carbs off that someone had zip-tied the fuel lines onto the t-fittings and to the carbs.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: 85 HP Johnson

yea mine was like that but i replaced with 5/16 clamps. I never could get those blasted ties tight enough.<br />While you are at it replace all the rubber lines if you can. Its well worth the cost. Which is minimal at best.

 

[Stumpys]

Re: 85 HP Johnson

Arighty then.... I took the carbs apart tonight and they look perfect inside. Super clean inside and out, floats work great, and the gaskets all look new.<br /><br />The friend I bought this motor from said that the marina put brand new carbs on it for him, but things came up and he let the motor set a few years.<br /><br />Anyway, as I said, they look perfect! I did blow out all the passages and soaked it down with Seafoam Deep Creep. Maybe I have a fuel pump problem, but the diaphams appear to be new too. Then again, could the zip-ties have caused the problem with drawing air? Hmmmmm.....

 

[87Aggie]

Re: 85 HP Johnson

When I rebuilt my carbs on my 140, the fuel lines were attached with zip ties, in fact the OEM manual actually says to reattach them with zip ties, so I did. The hoses fit pretty snug on the fittings so I don't think you're getting any air that way. I replaced all my lines with new hose too.