185 hp dies randomly

cliffmccue

Cadet
Joined
Jul 18, 2009
Messages
7
Alright guys,got another one for ya.My 1985 (J185TLCOC) Johnson 185hp is dying on the water after about 30 minutes of running.It doesn't want to turn over like it's locked up,then after about 20 seconds it will fire right up.I just changed the water pump thinking that it was getting too hot(mind you it doesn't have a warning horn on it).Carbs have been rebuilt,new stator and rectifier just put on.I keep reading about a lean fuel condition can cause this to happen.How is this rectified?Is there a way to increase the fuel flow to the carbs?By the way this motor still has the VRO pump on it and it seems to be working (i.e. using oil).This ones got me stumped. Any advice?

thanks,
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 185 hp dies randomly

check your spark immediately after it dies.
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 185 hp dies randomly

Slow cranking after a shutdown could also be an overheat lockup. Without a warning horn, you don't know... One of the stats could be stuck closed. I'd get a laser temp gun and check both heads for temps when you run it for 25 minutes. The heads should be between 145 and 155. This could be a potentially fatal problem-you need to resolve this issue before you continue to run it.
 

cliffmccue

Cadet
Joined
Jul 18, 2009
Messages
7
Re: 185 hp dies randomly

I already checked the temps after running for 30 min on muffs with a temp gun.It's running around 130* at the top of the heads to 155* at the bottom of the heads.I think i'll just go ahead and change the thermostats to be on the safe side.Just seems like if it runs good for 30 minutes on the water at wot it would heat up and shutdown sooner.I'm a boat noob,but i'm learning alot with this one.Seems like everytime i get something fixed here comes another one.keep the suggestions coming I need em.

thanks,
 

cliffmccue

Cadet
Joined
Jul 18, 2009
Messages
7
Re: 185 hp dies randomly

hey guys,
just wondering what exactly is a lean fuel lock up?Is it lean on oil or just lean on fuel supply to cylinder?
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 185 hp dies randomly

running at idle on muffs, is not anywhere near the same as running at 5,000 roms, with a load on.
 
Top