Motor Problem

Posted 9/4/2002 2:03 PM (#3727)
Subject: Motor Problem


I have a 90 HP 4 cylinder Johnson 2-stroke oil injected motor on my V17 Tracker. I think the motor is the same age as the boat....1992.

Anyhow, when I take off in the boat, it starts to gain speed and as it reaches plain and faster (anything over 15 mph) it sounds like a cylinder is missing. So as the throttle is all the way open, the boat goes sub-max speed, and every 10 seconds or so, it takes off like a bat-out-of-hell for a few seconds, then it instantly slows down and the motor gets instantly quiter....like all one of the cylinders isn't firing.

I checked the plugs, wires, and basic stuff. Could a coil be going out?? Any suggestions would be helpful. I'm not an expert boat mechanic.
Thanks in advance.

Posted 9/4/2002 2:12 PM (#43500)
Subject: Motor Problem


High speed surging. Maybe the oil/gas pump (worn out diaphragm)?

If it's carbed, maybe the jets are clogged?

Not totally sure what to say but I had a surging problem like you described on my '91 Evinrude 50 (it has a vro2 pump on it) and all troubleshooting pointed to the pump or carb with the possibility of a bad/blown cylinder, fuel filter clogged or fuel line leak.

In my case, cleaning the carb jets took care of it.

Wish I could help more but I'm not a mechanic. Someone with more experience may have a better answer.

good luck,
Jono

Posted 9/4/2002 2:28 PM (#43501)
Subject: Motor Problem


try your post on: http://pub5.ezboard.com/fbbcboardfrm9

good luck. m

Posted 9/4/2002 2:31 PM (#43502)
Subject: Motor Problem


Pull the plugs and check them for metallic/silver deposits. If there are any, the cylinder is shot. If not, then look at the fuel line, carbs, reeds, etc... need a mechanic!!![:blackeye:]

Posted 9/4/2002 2:32 PM (#43503)
Subject: Motor Problem


Steve;
Try removing all old fuel from tank,clean system to
block and then clean all jets throughly.Sounds like a fuel
jet problem , or possibly a fuel problem.Ranger didn't put
a pasty in your tank did he ?

Posted 9/4/2002 7:24 PM (#43504)
Subject: Motor Problem


I noticed something similar with my 2000 johnson 25 2 cyl. Although it hasn't happened for awhile...I would put the throttle up and it'd be fine then all the sudden really rev up like it was gaining a few thousand rpm's. I had that happen one day (many times that day) and it hasnt' happened since. I'm not sure what it was.

Posted 9/4/2002 9:47 PM (#43505)
Subject: Motor Problem


A good Johnson mechanic may know exactly what the problem is,as it may occur frequently with that motor.He can then skip the troubleshooting sequence steps.There are always a set of steps to take to find the problem.I have often seen plugs foul without any visual indications.Talk to a Johnson factory service rep.Some of those guys are pretty sharp and can diagnose problems over the tele.

Posted 9/5/2002 12:14 PM (#43506)
Subject: Motor Problem


Sounds to me like an ignition problem. I would check your coils, and their electrical connections including their ground. Check the plug wires as well.

Posted 9/5/2002 4:01 PM (#43507)
Subject: Motor Problem


There is a commen thread to this. OMC!!! Everyone that I have ever Knowen with one has some sort of problems. I towed a budy of mine back with a blown coil with my Merc. Never Have I ever had a problem with Mercs.
Solution to Problem. Get a Merc.

P.S I don't work for sell, or am I sponsered. I just here nothing but problems form people owning OMCs and my fishing interupted because I have to tow one back!