1978 Johnson 140 hp barely trickles water out

[dalonbart]

I just bought this LEMON and was told ran good last yr......Yeah Right.... Anyway when I got it out on the river it tricckled water out of the hose coming out of the motor. After I noticed it I headed in and the engine power stayed at about 5 mph at full throttle. Had to go about a half mile like this to the landing. Any suggestions would be helpful. the boat is in the marina getting a new impeller right now, But is there anything else that would cause it to barely move across the water? Thanks, Chris

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1978 Johnson 140 hp barely trickles water out

Check spark on all 4 plug wires. You may be only running on 3.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1978 Johnson 140 hp barely trickles water out

change your impeller.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1978 Johnson 140 hp barely trickles water out

I just bought this LEMON and was told ran good last yr......Yeah Right.... Anyway when I got it out on the river it tricckled water out of the hose coming out of the motor. After I noticed it I headed in and the engine power stayed at about 5 mph at full throttle. Had to go about a half mile like this to the landing. Any suggestions would be helpful. the boat is in the marina getting a new impeller right now, But is there anything else that would cause it to barely move across the water? Thanks, Chris

Lots of things that could cause poor performance, however getting it to cool should be job #1

 

[Mas]

Re: 1978 Johnson 140 hp barely trickles water out

Bad fuel, spark check, compression check, gummed up carbs & fuel pump is where I would start looking in that order.

MAS