89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

[89Ranger363V]

I was at a tournament this past weekend and unfortunately was stuck running the trolling motor all day due to my main motor not running. I launched fine and was able to power it off the trailer but it died soon after. For the rest of the day, I was able to start it,... but it would run for about 30seconds to a minute and die. It seemed like it only ran until it ran out of primed gas. Is this something simple like a fuel filter or should I be thinking bigger like a fuel pump?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

it could be something as simple as the fuel line being connected backwards. do you have spark right after it dies? will it start right back up after if dies? definately need more info. also could be float needle sticking closed, and pumping the primer bulb, forces fuel in until the needle closes and sticks again.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

When the engine quits, check the plugs are they wet? Do they have spark at that point? You need both for the engine to run. A simple timing light put on each plug wire will tell you if you have spark. If you can prime the fuel bulb and keep the engine running, you have a fuel supply issue. Fuel pump is a likely culprit, but could be the hose bulb, or a defective antisiphon valve. Leaky hose clamps will let air in the system, causing the same effect.

 

[89Ranger363V]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

Thank you for the replies so far. I will try to elaborate a little more on my issues to date.

I replaced the fuel and water seperator... and it definitely helped. I got the boat out, it started second crank, and it ran strong. I ran it strong for a couple passes on the lake I was on.... probably 52mph for about 15 minutes. I was psyched that it was running correctly, so we stopped and fished for a couple hours.

I started the boat back up after fishing... had to prime the bulb. It started right back up and we were off. I got on plane, got up to 48mph and all of a sudden the rpm's went WAY down. But, then the motor would go back to running normally for a few seconds, only to rev back down. It continued to do this at all RPM ranges necessary to stay on plane, but it never died. When I was idling through the No Wake zone, it was no problem.

Got to the ramp and shut it off while getting the truck. Started it back up and seemed to have trouble at very low RPM's in forward.

I went to a local boat shop today to try and buy some things (in-line filter, new fuel lines, and possibly a diaphram for the VRO?), but they would only sell me the in-line filter. They said there was no way it was the lines so they wouldn't even sell them to me. As far as the VRO goes, they wouldn't even entertain any idea that didn't include removing the VRO and having to pre-mix from here on out. I suppose it would be nice to not have to worry about the motor getting enough oil, but I can't really afford the conversion right now being a College student.

I am going to throw the in-line filter in tomorrow and run the boat again soon. I will take somebody with me that will pump the primer bulb if it loses RPMs at speed again.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

If you have an old fuel line and it has any cracks in it, replace it. They can let air in the line. Also, fuel hose bulbs have been know to have bad valves in them that can cause running issues. If you have an option, make sure the arrow (on the bulb) faces up. A simple test for the fuel line is to remove the fuel (delivery) line from the engine, then remove the fuel connector. Squeeze the bulb and see if you get a large shot of fuel out of the hose. It should flow freely. I'd also probably leave that connector off, remove the lower cowling connector and shove the hose through the connector hole and attach it directly to the fuel pump barb. Be sure it is a 3/8 hose line. You could have a damaged fuel pickup in the tank. Possible that it has a pinhole in it- that only shows when the fuel gets low. Fill the tank. If you have the same issue later, check the fuel pickup in the tank. Let us know what happens when you get back from your test run with your extra person to squeeze the bulb. VRO's are not repairable-only replaceable. If it is bad, you have the option to replace the pump in kind, perhaps $340, or to change the pump to a fuel pump only (required premixing of gas/oil.). This will save you perhaps $80 on this pump.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

hi ranger had some what of the same prob .1982 150 no vro
but i changed to a different tank external replaced line and bulb
3/8 .found line with bad tiestrap replaced and runs fine check your entire system for leaks go to new line and bulb .go to external fuel supply .
see how it works for you .if it still does it you may have carb or fuel pump issue .
Bennyb

 

[89Ranger363V]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

I've almost got this thing running properly!

I changed the in-line fuel filter and added some Johnson/Evinrude fuel treatment to both tanks.

I took that boat out 2 days ago, and it ran perfectly both before and after we did 6 hours of fishing... so I was a very happy guy.

But, today I took it out and we made a couple mile run to my fishing spot and the morning run was perfect. But, during the day we idled around the no-wake zone for about 15 minutes and I realized my Starboard fuel tank was getting low, so I switched over to the portside. We made a run back north, and we again lost power at speed and idling was pretty rough.

Then, I realized something... EVERYTIME I've had problems with this thing running, I've been drawing from the Portside tank. So, now I feel like I've isolated the problem, but I'm a little lost on what to do next. I was told to check my anti-siphon valves at the top of the tank, but I cannot find the top of my tanks because they're built into my Ranger.

What else should I be looking for? Pick up units? Fuel lines to the portside?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

Possible you have water in the port tank. I'd siphon some fuel out of the very bottom of the tank (keep in mind that the regular fuel pickup does not quite extend to the very bottom of the tank) into a clear glass and let it settle for a half hour.

 

[89Ranger363V]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

Possible you have water in the port tank. I'd siphon some fuel out of the very bottom of the tank (keep in mind that the regular fuel pickup does not quite extend to the very bottom of the tank) into a clear glass and let it settle for a half hour.

Is there an easy way to do this? Will the anti-siphon valves mess things up? Should I just not mess with it and have a boat shop do it?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

Take the connector off the engine end of the fuel hose. Put the hose end over a bucket on the ground. Make sure the hose end dangles so that it is below the actual bottom of the tank. Pump to get fuel flowing and it will empty the tank. You only need a couple of quarts to check for water. You can use this procedure to empty the tank. Boat shops may drain a fuel tank if the customer brings in fuel containers and takes the full ones.

 

[89Ranger363V]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

Now I have my doubts about whether its bad gas that's screwing me up.

I took the boat out again on Sunday and had my dad lay on the back deck while I was running the boat. As soon as it lost power, he started pumping the primer bulb and just continued to pump the bulb. I was able to run for several miles while he was pumping, then it lost power again as soon as he quit.

Is the fuel pump side of the VRO the only explaination? Should I even bother changing out the fuel line/primer bulb assembly?

 

[89Ranger363V]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

I finally fixed my problems!!!

After spending about $200 on numerous filters and sets of spark plugs plus 1 fuel hose/primer bulb assembly... the motor was fixed for FREE!

We were looking over the motor the other day, and I noticed one of the outlet hoses from the VRO was pinched off slightly. I believe they call this hose the surge hose, and I don't think it carries fuel because when I took it off nothing came out. Anyway, we cut out the pinched portion, reinstalled it and the motor is now running/starting like a champ. 1 guy (250lbs), 100lbs of gear, 3 batteries, 20 gallons of fuel, etc.... 55mph aint too shabby for an 89!

The motor is still running just a bit on the rich side when I'm idling... so I'm going to have the carbs synched as soon as I get the chance and we'll see what happens. This isn't a HUGE deal, but I dont want to have to clean my spark plugs nearly as often (every 3rd trip).

 

[robinhood]

Re: 89 Johnson GT150 fuel system?

Just got in on this forum and would like to ask you experts about my 89 150 GT. I too can only run my motor if I manually keep priming the bulb but it seems starved for fuel and spits while running. Took cover and found gas leak at part I dont know what. Small plastic part with 2 wires , dome on top and small hose running from it down to plastic T on fuel line just past in line fuel filter. Patched crack but no change. Called 3 shops only 1 thought it may be my primer. First time out, fresh fuel, but wont go.

 

[robinhood]

89 GT150 fuel problem

89 GT150 fuel problem

First time out my 89 GT 150 would start but died shortly after. Started back up every time but was starved for fuel. Only ran if I kept priming bulb. Took cover off and found leak at plastic part with 2 wires on bottom, small dome on top and small hose running from it down to T in fuel line just past in line fuel filter. Patched crack, no leak, but no change. What next?