Any ideas why an early 90's Johnson 85hp outboard does not exceed 2100 rev's at full throttle?

Question

The previous week we tried to pull start the engine without a key but were unsuccessful. It worked fine before that...thanks for your help.

Answer 1

I can narrow it down to 3 possibilities:  low compression, inadequate spark, fuel starvation.

Or operator error.  just kiddin...

Reattach emergency lanyard and try again.  :D

If the keyswitch is in the "off" position, the ignition is grounded and won't spark.  no spark, no start.

Why are ya pull starting?  What happens when you turn the key to "start", any noise at all?  Is the battery fully charged?

For a cold start, you need to operate the primer/enrichener system (replaces choke plates) -- the red lever on the solenoid, starboard side of the engine, parallel with the solenoid body for normal operation, parallel with the top of the solenoid for manual operation.  Also lift the hi-idle lever full up.

The performance issue you described is a classic symptom of gummed up carbs.  But the no-start condition, if related, points to spark or possibly compression.

No spark on any cylinder, post a question about troubleshooting the ignition.

Make sure the carb butterflies are all opening to fully horizontal, not beyond, at WOT.

If you have good spark and good compression, fuel line stays pressurized, no water or debris in the fuel, then try squeezing the primer bulb while under way -- if it collapses, then you've got an obstruction upstream of the bulb, or a faulty bulb, or the tank vent is closed or obstructed.  If the boat has a built-in tank with an anti-siphon valve, take it out those are only needed for inboard engines but boatmakers put 'em on outboards anyway.

If all of the above checks out, rebuild the carbs.  soak 'em overnight in carb cleaner and install new kits.

Answer 2

Unless you damaged the electrial> Check for spark>all wires where they should be> And what did you do to it while trying to start it with out the key???

Answer 3

well im assuming the prop is the right size so nextt check/change the fuel filters and water sepperator if you  have one and clean the spark plugs  try that and see what happens