Thread: 89 70hp Johnson

Motor has sat for 10years, ran once a year to keep lubed. Damn thing will idle great on muffs in the driveway but put it in the water and it spit spudders and dies. Only way I can get it to idle 800rpm's and troll is to trim the motor almost all the way up, drop it just a bit and it runs rough and dies. The vro system is plugged and is "running" on pre mix. Any ideas and suggestions greatly appreciated.

needs the carb cleaned. taken apart and cleaned.

Originally Posted by olduckhunter

needs the carb cleaned. taken apart and cleaned.

I can't believe I'm agreeing with ODH!

You need your carbs cleaned.

You have some work to do. Awakening a sleeping outboard; by BoatBuoy - iboats Boating Forums

... and for what little I know about it :

I'd .... get rid of all the old gas, then dry & vacuum the tank out, & replace with new gas/oil --- install new water pump impeller --- decarb the engine with Deep Creep or Sea Foam --- then replace the spark plugs.

It sounds like you have some varnish buildup (old gas film). You might also want to consider changing the fuel filter (if you have one). I'd also remove & check the fuel bowl, just to see if any sediments/gunk is present (esp if you don't have a fuel filter installed). Look for tiny chunks of rubber or rust. Replace the fuel line/bulb if it's cracked or showing signs of old age (stiff, flaky rubber, hard bulb, etc).

You might even consider putting some Marine Sta-bil in your gas tank ... especially if you don't use the motor for a couple of months in a row.

But, take these ideas with a grain of salt ... cause I ain't no expert on outboards It's just what I'd do.

... luck2ya ... cp

Look into the fuel pump being replaced. I'll almost bet it's dry and cracked. Good info so far. Also wouldn't hurt to get an electronic diagnostic done to see if anything has given up while on vacation.

at the very end of the article barnicle posted they mentioned the gale motor. we had one a long time ago. i think it was a 5hp bucaneer (sp). i bought one that looks near new at an auction years ago just like the one we had. got the manuel with it. took the motor home and laid it up and haven't looked at it since. i should get it out and "wake it up."

Originally Posted by crappiepappy

... and for what little I know about it :

I'd .... get rid of all the old gas, then dry & vacuum the tank out, & replace with new gas/oil --- install new water pump impeller --- decarb the engine with Deep Creep or Sea Foam --- then replace the spark plugs.

It sounds like you have some varnish buildup (old gas film). You might also want to consider changing the fuel filter (if you have one). I'd also remove & check the fuel bowl, just to see if any sediments/gunk is present (esp if you don't have a fuel filter installed). Look for tiny chunks of rubber or rust. Replace the fuel line/bulb if it's cracked or showing signs of old age (stiff, flaky rubber, hard bulb, etc).

You might even consider putting some Marine Sta-bil in your gas tank ... especially if you don't use the motor for a couple of months in a row.

But, take these ideas with a grain of salt ... cause I ain't no expert on outboards It's just what I'd do.

... luck2ya ... cp

Excellant advice CP.

Have done all the above, she is going into the shop tomorrow for a carb rebuild. Thanx guys!!!!!!!!

Gale motors were Johnson/Evinrude parts. I had a 25 years ago and all the parts were the same, but finding corresponding part numbers took a bit. Motor was good to me.