clueless 2,976 #1 Posted April 19, 2021 Got this old boat from BIL a couple of years ago with a 1983 85 hp Johnson on it, finally decided to see if I can get it to start it's got 193 hr on it. It hasn't run in 14 years and he said It has less than 4 hr on it when he had it completely serviced and carbs rebuilt, impeller replaced back then. I thought I would see if it turns with my breaker bar before trying to spin it over. Should I remove the plugs and spray little oil or penetrating oil down the cylinders before trying to turn it over by hand? Also once I start trying to start it or if it actually starts what else should I be watching for? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,302 #2 Posted April 19, 2021 I would use just a little 2 cycle oil and spin it over a number of times before putting the plugs back in. After 14 years the oil will have drained from the bearings, so maybe you could pour a small amount of very rich premix in the carbs and spin it over a number of times before starting, again with the plugs out. Those engines are built well and will stand years of abuse, I would expect no problems. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,991 #3 Posted April 19, 2021 The marine dealer I take my pontoon to for winterizing recommended that I not start the engine for the first time in the spring out of the water. Seems a dry start has the possibility of damaging the water pump impeller. You can get a set of "earmuffs" to let you hook the water pick up ports to a garden hose. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,494 #4 Posted April 19, 2021 8 minutes ago, 8ntruck said: The marine dealer I take my pontoon to for winterizing recommended that I not start the engine for the first time in the spring out of the water. Seems a dry start has the possibility of damaging the water pump impeller. You can get a set of "earmuffs" to let you hook the water pick up ports to a garden hose. Never dry start / run them... I’d just spray some 2 stroke down the cylinders and run it rich for first tank... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,976 #5 Posted April 19, 2021 2 hours ago, 8ntruck said: The marine dealer I take my pontoon to for winterizing recommended that I not start the engine for the first time in the spring out of the water. Seems a dry start has the possibility of damaging the water pump impeller. You can get a set of "earmuffs" to let you hook the water pick up ports to a garden hose. Yea, I'm not about to start it with out the muffs on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dodge78 90 #6 Posted April 21, 2021 Here are some online manuals if you have any problems' http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
