HELP! 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run over 2800 RPM's

[CoastalPete]

Hello, hoping someone can help me with my Johnson 1994 Ocean Runner power problem. Just put the boat in slip after 1st installing new plugs, new fuel/water separator, new inline fuel filter, decarbed engine and filled up tank 110gal. (had about 20 gal. from last season but was stabilized). Put it in water and ran low rpm's no problem, then went for test run and no power over 1300rpm's? Took it to slip, runs fine in idle and will rev up past 5000 RPM's with no load, although after she runs for awhile I do hear something not right when doing so, like a real subtle miss fire (but no banging, knocking, smoke, etc.). The RPM's also will not stay consistent, it will rev up and down a bit on its own? I also did hear some clicking on the side of the fuel pump but now seams ok, clicks every 5-10 seconds. I am not getting any engine alarms, except when I first started it up this season the alarm stayed on steady until I shut it off then never heard it again.

Thought maybe gas problem so added more fuel enzymes (Startron) and checked fuel water separator for water and there was none. Had marina mechanic hook up separate tank to motor same problem, so its not gas in tank. They also confirmed spark on all 6 cylinders. I also checked engine wires at night and found no arcs. Also, the water coming out of the engine felt warm but not hot where I should be overly concerned it has something to do with running too hot and the engine's safety system (SLOW, which I think keeps the boat RPM's lower).

Mechanic replaced the fuel pulse limiter and the motor now runs at 2800 RPM's and wont go higher. Appears to be running on all cylinders as I carefully pulled plug wires off while in gear and they were all arcing. I did notice the plugs on the starboard side of enginer run hotter than on port side? I also checked the shifter interrupter and that is ok. Checked compression and that was ok. The motor smokes about the same as always (not too bad) so was thinking it was not an air leak in fuel lines. Should I look at temp. sender (SLOW), fuel pump, carbs, ignition, other?

PLEASE HELP point me in the right direction!

Thanks,
Pete

 

[Dhadley]

Re: HELP! 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run over 2800 RPM's

I'd start with a good cleaning of the carbs, regardless of anything else. Then if it still won't go over 2800 start looking at the SLOW system.

Just an FYI - adding Startron won't revive old fuel nor will it clean carbs.

 

[CoastalPete]

Re: HELP! 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run over 2800 RPM's

Thank you for posting, when you say good cleaning, do you mean take it completely apart and clean or just take cover off and clean all visible parts and hoses? Also, is there a way to disable SLOW system to check if that is cause of low RPM's?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[Dhadley]

Re: HELP! 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run over 2800 RPM's

The carbs need to come apart and be soaked in carb cleaner. Then reassemble with new kits. That way you know what you have as far as the carbs go.

Let's do that first and then look at the warning systems.

 

[CoastalPete]

Re: HELP! 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run over 2800 RPM's

Ok, thanks, I am also thinking this is a fuel issue, fyi, the new plugs are now black. I thought it was weird how when we replaced the fuel pulse limiter the RPM's went from 1300 to 2800 RPM's. I also am not getting any alarms, which makes me think not a SLOW or temp issue. The book says the SLOW keeps the motor at 2500 RPM's.

I will take off the carbs and clean, any suggestions on the cleaner? One other note of interest, the mechanic at the marina who replaced the fuel pulse limiter told me gas was blowing out of the fitting, is this supposed to happen? I hear the ethanol eats up the carb seals, although I used the Startron product from the start in hopes of avoiding issues like this.

Thanks again,
Pete

 

[CoastalPete]

Re: HELP! 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run over 2800 RPM's

Someone told me to clean carb with CRC carb spray first to see if improvement. I sprayed it in every port as suggested and now she won?t go over 1000rpms without stalling...looks like I need to take all carbs off and properly clean.

One question first, yesterday I noticed another problem with loss power at console (gauges dead and won?t turn over) and engine trim not working due to a corroded 20A fuse on motor (next to main red plug) I think, cleaned it and starts no problem but trim not working at shifter or on motor, although I do hear clicking near engine when either switch is engaged. Does this sound like a bad engine ground, if so, could that also cause engine to stall under load? Maybe a corroded wire/contact somewhere on motor, I need to investigate further, any suggestions?

 

[CoastalPete]

Re: 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run on load over 1000 RPM's

Re: 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run on load over 1000 RPM's

Ok, cleaned and rebuilt carbs today (all day job for newbe), problem is still there, runs fine in idle but when in gear over 1000 RPM's, stalls out, sounds like it is flooding but what do I know. One thing I noted was some water comming out of the exhaust? Should I remove fuel pump and bring to a shop and have them test it...or does anyone else have any idea's?

Thanks,
Pete

 

[dish]

Re: HELP! 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run over 2800 RPM's

Fuel pump clicking every 5 to 10 seconds.Should click less frequent than that,around every 10 to 20 seconds.Sounds like fuel side of oms pump failing or air leak in fuel side.Clicking when trim and tilt button pressed could be your trim and tilt relays.Replace one and see if that fixes the problem.

 

[Pufahl]

Re: 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run on load over 1000 RPM's

Re: 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run on load over 1000 RPM's

Ok, cleaned and rebuilt carbs today (all day job for newbe), problem is still there, runs fine in idle but when in gear over 1000 RPM's, stalls out, sounds like it is flooding but what do I know. One thing I noted was some water comming out of the exhaust? Should I remove fuel pump and bring to a shop and have them test it...or does anyone else have any idea's?

Thanks,
Pete

I just purchased a 1998 Kencraft 220 WA with a Johnson 250 Ocean Runner and put in the water today and the RPM will not go above 1200 at full throttle. It runs fine out of the water. I've replaced the water pump, housing, casing, and impeller. I've also replaced the thermostat and head gaskets. I did this because it appeared to be getting hot and may have been run hot at one point. The impeller was installed wrong and had some minor damage but no sign of over heating. However, the starboard thermostat casing was slightly melted so I appears the starboard side did get hot. The inside cylinders looked very good, no signs of excessive wear or damage. The original owner showed me recent maintenance reciepts for carb cleaning, decrboned heads and steering servicing. Any thoughts?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run on load over 1000 RPM's

Re: 1994 Johnson Ocean Runner 225 wont run on load over 1000 RPM's

Pufahl, start your own thread ... this one's over a year old, and shouldn't be added to. Guess you didn't read:

"Announcement:
-------------Please DO NOT reply to old threads or hijack existing threads. Old threads of a technical nature are like a library book, Do Not write in them.

Don S ‎(Moderator) "