1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

[cbrady@ardmorecity.com]

I have a 1989 Johnson 140HP V4 on a 1990 invader fish & ski. Has always started perfectly, almost. The first start of the day will determine if it will work well. Generally only needs to crank a few seconds to start. Once it has started once it will start fine all day with just a mere bump of the starter. However if it decides not to start right away it might not start @ all. Took it to a local boat shop & he said is was unusual. When I took it in I had just ran the bettery down trying to start it to no avail. He said no fire & he would check it out. As he worked on it he said that it would erratically fire on different cylinders @ different times & then it just all started working fine again. He said he couldn't fix a problem if he couldn't see it not working. Started it last night & it worked fine. Now I am gun shy about taking it out. Like I said great motor 95% of the time, but the other 5% will leave you stranded. I have worked on car & truck motors but boat motors are new territory. Any good suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Oh, By the way, The only modification from factory I have had on the boat it to remove the VRO & I manually mix my own oil/gas ratio so I KNOW that it is getting oil. This was performed @ the same local boat shop.

Thanks again,
CEB III

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

The ignition system on your engine incorporates QuikStart, which advances the timing when you start the engine. If it is cold, it will stay advanced until the temp switch advises the powerpack that the engine has reached 96? F. or until the RPM reaches 1,100.

If the QuikStart system does not function properly, the engine will be more difficult to start.

You can verify the functioning of Quikstart with a timing light.

Make sure that the tan wire and the black and white wire leading from the cylinder heads are as far away from the spark plug wires as possible.

You may also want to check the primer hose leading to the each carburetors and check the primer solenoid wiring.

Finally, if you have not tested your recirculation check valves, you should.

 

[cbrady@ardmorecity.com]

Re: 1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

Thank you, Thank You. Fast reply with good info I can use!!!!
I'll check the options you mentioned & see how it goes. If I determine that QuikStart does not function properly what is my course of action? IE what regulates QuikStarts function? Powerpack, Solenoid, Something Else???????

 

[cbrady@ardmorecity.com]

Re: 1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

Researched QuikStart & thought I might be able to toss out another piece of possibly related info. The audible whistle alarm that sounds every time you turn the key on, sometimes doesn't, very sporadic. But in retrospect I can't really remember a time when it is starting good that the whistle doesn't work. Will have to pay more attention to that when I am testing it out. Thought it was just a loose wire on the alarm whistle but after reading about the quikstart setup thought the 2 might be related?????

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

When you say the VRO was removed, do you mean the oil line was removed and plugged? Or do you mean the pump was removed and replaced with something else?

 

[cbrady@ardmorecity.com]

Re: 1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

OK, I'll show my ignorance. Never had a boat with an automatic oiler & had a few friends that had real bad horror stories when theirs went out. It was working fine but I chose to "have it removed" @ the local boat shop so I could mix my own ration & make sure it is getting oil. First thing I had worked on. Never took it out past the test drive with the oiler installed so not real sure what was changed aside from the tank & the line. As far as I can tell the oil tank was removed & the line was plugged. Not sure what else was accomplished to ensure it was removed correctly but have several friends whom the boat shop has accomplished the same feat on with no problems. Nothing was replaced to my knowledge. If it was it was too small of an item to be placed on the invoice.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

That's how it's done -- plug the line, remove the tank and unplug the warning sensors. If it were mine I'd go get the tank so when you realize it's a good system you can plug it back in.

 

[cbrady@ardmorecity.com]

Re: 1989 Johnson 140HP V4, unique starting problem

Tank was broken anyhow. OK, So is the temp warning sensor the sensor you are referring to what is unplugged/ removed or is it a different sensor. I have planned on installing a temp gage when I get a chance because I hate dummy alarms & lights that tell you after you are in trouble. Have been depending on the visible pee stream & audible warning alarm to show things are good & to warn if I am having a problem. Is this warning system (ie overheating warning )disabled giving me no warning & also causing a problem with the quikstart feature or are the 2 not related?