Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

[Incorrigible]

Looking for opinions on the performance, maintenance, anticipated problems from a 1990 225hp Johnson.

Not sure if it's worth putting time money and effort into the engines or if I should be thinking about replacement. These engines came on the boat I purchased, seem to pull very strongly, and have solid compression...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

i know of nothing that is a basic problem with those motors, normal maintainance, should run for many years more.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

The only thing about these engines are they are gas pigs.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

They're good, simple, reliable carb'd motors and with reasonable care will serve you well. Set up properly the're OK on fuel for what they are - 1980's technology. Comapred to other motors of that technology they hold their own. Comapre them to todays technology and you'd throw rocks at them. Most anything that goes wrong with can be fixed at home with basic tools & a good OE manual.

 

[Incorrigible]

Re: Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

Yeah, I get the feeling it's going to be a bit fuel intensive, but I've heard good things about the output on them, and the maintenance. AND, based on what new engines would cost me, I think it will be a bit before they get replaced....

Any idea HOW bad they are for fuel? 225hp V6 compared to say the 300hp Mercruizer I/O 350's?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

That all depends on set up and the hull design. Rule of thumb - 1 gallon of fuel for every 10 hp. At wide open the 225 will burn about 22.5 gallons / hour. A 300 will burn about 30 gal / hr at wide open.

In the cruise mode a 225 may be making, say for instance 190 hp. You'll be burning - in theory - 19 gal / hr.

It all depends on set up & hull design.

 

[Incorrigible]

Re: Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

Then that begs a few other questions:

Using a similar formula (1 gallon/hour/10hp) what could I expect from modern four-stroke 250hps in terms of fuel burn?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson 1990 225hp opinions

At wide open it'll burn about 25 gal/hr. All this is theory and will vary to some degree. On the dyno you'll find that the 225 you have doesn't quite make 225 hp but may still burn 25 gal/hr. A modern outboard may make a tad more horsepower and still burn 25 gal/hr. Both fall within the NMMA guideline of advertised hp. A modern motor will certianly be more efficient in the mid range. That's just EFI or DFI vs. a carb and the electronics that govern the running.