135 JOHNSON not planing

[jpendergrass]

Okay folks, got rid of the wescraft and glastron ssv, bought an 87' glasstream 17' bass boat with a 77' (i think) 135 Johnson. Havent had it on the water yet since i have a few things to figure out/repair. Got it real cheap but checked it over pretty good. The motor fired right up, carbs were rebuilt last year, has an cmc power lift ml-65 on it and runs great in the backyard. The previous owner said it would idle and get up real good but would not go on plane. He thought it had something to do with the linkage in the lower end. I had it in gear and revving great, so I'm curious what to look for 1st. Now, keep in mind I have a 72 model 85 horse evinrude that runs out great on the wescraft and understand that parts are interchangeable. Should I get into the lower end of the 135, maybe even switch lower ends over??
Any thoughts would be great since I want to be out on the water in 2 weekends.

Thanks folks for all the suggestions - Jody

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

Not planing seldom has anything to do with the lower unit at all, unless there's serious binding going on, which would be very rare. Most likely a fuel delivery problem. Have you checked stuff like the anti-siphon valve in the tank outlet, checked for air leaks into the fuel plumbing, crap blocking the pickup screen in the tank, cracked pickup tube, etc. etc.

Also, the carb cleaning may not have been complete or correct.

I think you're looking at the wrong end of the horse.

 

[jpendergrass]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

Thanks for the quik response. I agree. What he was saying about not coming up on plane sounded like a fuel issue. I've been working on cars for 20 years and it sounds like once loaded it wasnt getting enough fuel/spark advance. This engine revs perfect and fast, even put it in gear and throttled right up quickly. Granted its not under load. I also have the fuel can from the westcraft hooked up since I need to drain/clean the tank in the glasstream, so maybe its nothing more than what you said.
Is there any way to put it under load without going to the lake??

 

[ezeke]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

The 72 was electric shift whereas the 73 and up V4s were hydraulic assist or straight mechanical; the gearcases are not at all compatible.

What is the pitch of your propeller? It should be around 17 with your setup.

Be sure to use high viscosity gear oil in the 135 gearcase.

 

[jpendergrass]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

Actually its a 71' 85hp, sorry. Does that make a difference?? And it turns out the model # on the 135 says its a 76'.
Also, the prop looks awful small compared to my 85hp. Even the gearcase looks a shade different color. Maybe the case has been changed???... Anyways, I'll look at the prop and get ya the specs.
Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

Actually its a 71' 85hp... Does that make a difference?? ....its a 76'.

No.

 

[jpendergrass]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

What about swapping controls, gearcase and all?? Worth it if the lower end is the source of my problem?
The diameter of the prop is 13, dont know pitch, there is no stamp # on the hub

 

[jpendergrass]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

pulled the prop, its an 18, and again, appears to measure out at 13 in diameter.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

That might be the pitch ... std pitches are usually odd nos., however.

You talked about testing under load ... need a marine dyno or test wheel w/ test tank. High RPM's w/o load can cause a destructive runaway ... not recommended.

What RPM is it turning under load max? W/O a tach and knowing RPM, just sort of WAGing it.

Have you tested for spark on all cylinders w/ a needle gap spark tester set at 7/16"? Need a long, strong blue spark.

 

[jpendergrass]

Re: 135 JOHNSON not planing

What RPM is it turning under load max? W/O a tach and knowing RPM, just sort of WAGing it.

Have you tested for spark on all cylinders w/ a needle gap spark tester set at 7/16"? Need a long, strong blue spark.

I personally havent had it out on the water yet. Just picked it up today and trying to get some ideas of the possible source. I will check the motor over thoroughly for timing, tune-up needs etc. before hitting the water.