1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

[hunt-fish.com]

I have a 1990 115 that I just rebuilt both carbs. Went by the manual with the exception of the knock outs with the gasiola replacement. Buttened it up, checked for leaks, bulb firmed up, no leaks. Started the motor and it purred like a kitten. 45 seconds later fuel started dribbling out of the front of the lower carb. Shutdown. Removed carb checked float. No problems detected. Replaced restarted. Same thing purred for 45 seconds then dribbling fuel trying to stall the motor. Has anyone seen this before. The teck at the shop was stumped when I asked him. I've also checked the linkage and it looks okay. <br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />John

 

[Hooty]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

Hey John, Did it rain in Colleyville today? <br /><br />I know you checked, but it sure sounds like either a needle and seat leaking or a float adjustment. It couldn't hardly come from anywhere else.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Hooty]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

How about the red lever on the priming solenoid valve? Is it in the down position?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[hunt-fish.com]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

Hey Hooty,<br /><br />Yep, we got rain just like everyone else in DFW. I agree that this sounds like a float problem. I checked the float and it looked good. I replaced the seat,gasket and needle valve but, have not pulled and checked since the rebuild. The float drop measures 1" and is level when the carb is inverted. The red lever on the top is down. The only thing I can think of besides the needle having an obstruction is the float hinge pin is slipping out somehow and the float works until the fuel level causes it to drop and then it never "floats" and closes the needle valve. The fuel is dribbling out of what I think are the overflow ports. The 2 brass ports in the front of the base of the carburetor. My OMC dealer said they've never seen this happen after rebuilds in their shop. Do you think it's possible some junk could be lodged internally and cause this? I cleaned it all with OMC carburetor cleaner then blew it out with compressed air.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />John<br /><br />>The guys at work are going to give me a lot of greif if I end up having to take this in to have it fixed.

 

[hunt-fish.com]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

up

 

[Hooty]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

You're right. It's gotta be either trash in the needle / seat or the float pin has slipped. Also look at the little s/s wire chingaso that attaches the needle to the float. I installed one of those wrong once . <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[hunt-fish.com]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

I replaced the float and the needle valve with the old one. Problem solved. Turns out that the new needle valve did NOT have the rubber tip that the old one did. I guess there was some left over carb cleaner that ate it off? Don't know. Took her out to Lake Grapvine today and now I can pull a skier again. One minor nusence. I moved the throttle up and down across the power band. Right about 3K RPMs she wants to stall and when held there eventually died when pulling back from WOT . Do I need to adjust the timing now? She's running significantly better now.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />John

 

[Hooty]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

Glad ta hear you're up a' runnin'. Since you've had the linkages off the carbs, you probably should do a link and sync. Your manual should explain that. If you haven't moved the timing stop screw, timing should be o-k. <br /><br />I boat a lot during the week at one of the COE ramps at Lewisville. Grapevine is a lot closer and more convenient but leaving my truck alone at one of those empty boat ramps makes me nervous. Have you ever had any problems with stuff gettin' "liberated"?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[hunt-fish.com]

Re: 1990 Johnson 115 carburetor leaking

Thanks for the info Hooty! I have never had any problems at the launch I use at Grapvine. Been goin' there for more then 10 years. I launch near the new Opry center they are building off of Dooley and HWY 26. Not at Silver Lake park but, around the bend. Don't know the name of the park. $5 bucks to launch, Honor system. Well worth it because the lights and floating dock to pick up your riders and not tear up your boat. I use to take the Ruth Wall rd to get to it. They closed that when they started construction. Bummer! I have a 1 ton 4x4 with a tool box. I went to lake Brownwood recently and forgot to lock my tool box. I was pleased that no-one messed with it. I know what you mean when your worried about the loosers at the ramp that steal your stuff. Grapevine is a good lake. Nice Black Bass and Hybrids. Fishing tomorrow! Yeah Baby! <br /><br />John