1973 V4 135 Johnson

[OperativeK]

Hi everybody, Im usually in the Merc section but I finally got around to rebuilding my 135 Johnson (Merc is 1350).<br /><br />I had to have two cylindars bored to .30 and two remained at .20 with original pistons just new rings. My impeller was frozen onto the shaft and I couldn't remove it until I cut it off by trimming all the rubber and then using my dremel to cut it in half going down two opposite sides of the shaft.<br /><br />Anyway now to get to the point, prior to getting the impeller replaced I thought the problem was the thermostat so basicly I pulled it out. I still didn't get any water so I knew the impeller had to be the problem. I received a impeller replacement kit but it was for a 1974 - up, I noticed though that the recycle water line was basicly blocked off(it has two pipes going up to the motor), and one for coming back down. Im guessing the 74 doesn't have the pipe coming back down to recycle the already warmed water. <br /><br />So I have no thermostat in it now but it pees like crazy, wish my Merc did. So do you fellas think that me now running with the 74 impleller kit which blocks the recycle pipe will cause any problems? also will having no thermostat have any bad effect on the motor. I live in Texas and the water is warm enough. ; )<br /><br />Thanks -Mike<br /><br />PS. if you have any general advice on getting the timing right please let me know. Ill post up a video soon with the motor running.<br /><br />Here is a pic of the 65 Sea Ray with a newer windshield http://opk.gotdns.org/newboatpics/photos/photo4.jpg <br /><br />Ill be putting the Johnson on her after I get the timing right.<br /><br />This is the Johnson:<br /> http://opk.gotdns.org/boatproject/photos/photo5.jpg

 

[RobsTV]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

Originally posted by OpK:<br /> .... I still didn't get any water so I knew the impeller had to be the problem. .....(snip)...So I have no thermostat in it now but it pees like crazy, wish my Merc did.

Where are you seeing this flow of water?<br />There is no tell tale water flow on this motor.<br />I too replaced impeller before I learned about this.<br />You should not see water streaming out, unless motor has been modified.<br />Slight mist out the two exhaust back pressure holes when using muffs, and decent trickle when in the water under way.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

I have a 1973 135 sitting out back and a brand new 1973 135 gearcase setting downstairs. I also run a 1976 115. I have service manuals for all 1973 V4 motors. There is not any difference in the water circulation in any of them, nor in any of the V4 motors through 1976??????

 

[OperativeK]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

This doesn't make much sense to me then. I have a Seloc manual and can honestly say don't use a Seloc. It doesn't even cover the thermostat or having a cooling diaghram. Im guessing then that maybe the tell tale, which is on the side of #2, might have used to be a pressure type water gauge? It is most certainly a tell tale now. I was looking at some of the older posts regarding this motor and they mention they were always kinda rough idlers and that they ran hot causing usually the coils to crack? Also looking at my manual I only see one picture of the plate for the impellar housing and my original had two large holes the one I replaced it with only has one(it blocks the return line), but Seloc in the manual does say that the housing for the impellar was replaced and the original was no longer in service maybe that explains it but does not say which model so still not sure.<br /><br />Can you guys take a moment and explain the cooling system to me. Why the two pipes going up from the impellar housing? One of which is certainly blocked now. Also in the thermostat housing there was a hole with a plastic piece on the top and another hole at the bottom. I removed the plastic peice at the top hole because I could tell that the water flow to the head covers would originate from there, what is the bottom hole? <br /><br />Also just a note, before it was getting pretty hot I couldn't touch it after running it for a short time, but now seems I can hold my hand on it. Please let me know what you guys think. I will get some pictures of all of this online so you can better understand what I am refering to. Thanks again -Mike

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

There was no material change in the water pump from 1973 through 1976. Go to the BRP Parts Diagram for your motor. You can see the two holes in the water pump for the two water tubes. BRP Parts Catalogs.<br /><br />The water circulated up and through the motor, water returned to the pump through the second tube. Certainly the system could have been modified.<br /><br />The replacement water pump complete kit is OMC/BRP part number 439140.

 

[RobsTV]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

I don't know enough yet to offer much advice, but if you can hold your hand on it, it must be cooling, and as long as no water is getting into gearbox or other area's that it should not be in, you are probably fine.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

Not having thermostats will cause excessive fouling, increased fuel consumption and "kinda rough" idling along with excessive wear on rings and cylinders.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

you need to run the thermo's! period.<br /><br />itll never run the same. you have hot pistons ging up and down at extremely high rates of speed that are jacketed by cool 80 degree water that is never given a chance to warm to the right temp. not good.<br /><br />if you dont wanna run the thermo's , at least install restiction washers

 

[OperativeK]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

Ok well looking at the parts catalog, seems I pulled out the check valve. Im going to do some testing this weekend and Ill have more info. Thanks for the replys fellas.<br /><br />I started it up yesterday and there was a little more than I would like water coming out the exhaust ports.

 

[OperativeK]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

Here are pictures of the Tale Tell. Looking at the parts catalog you could see where they would install it. Looks right at home. I would have video but it was 8:30pm and wife didn't want the neighbors to complain.<br /><br /> http://opk.gotdns.org/Johnson135TaleTell/photos/photo1.jpg <br /> http://opk.gotdns.org/Johnson135TaleTell/photos/photo2.jpg

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

I don't know exactly how they re-routed it but I like it.<br />I know the 78-79 140 is set up like that but it has two vernatherms.

 

[OperativeK]

Re: 1973 V4 135 Johnson

Ok finally got around to the video after I got it idling smoothly. Proud to say it is running great.(it seems) Like I said previously I usually am in the Merc section so I was used to getting my parts from Clams Cannino, Thanks goes to clams for all the parts and the usual advise.<br /><br />Hope you like the video. Temp stays low and I'll be putting it on the boat soon so I can pull the lower unit on the MErc and fix the clutch dog for reverse. <br /><br /> http://opk.gotdns.org/johnson135.wmv (Video is 7mb if your on 56k be prepared to be patient.)<br /><br />Also thanks to the fellas for the advise here in the Johnson section. Even though they thought I was crazy at first, lol : ). -Mike