1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
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Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Where is the best (and most reasonable) place to get carb kits and a shop manual for my engine?
Based on the many questions and answers I've seen, I know the carbs need cleaning. The engine is typically coughing, sputtering and stalling at idle but runs great at full throttle.
I've noticed that several individuals have recommended cleaners from NAPA.Does this recommendation still hold or is there something else advised?
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

Hi Clockdaddy

I've always used OMC kits bought at the dealer. They seems to be better and are not much more than Sierra. I use the carb cleaner from NAPA (1 Gal. can with a dunking screen) overnight and then follow up with Gumout carb spray. If it's just a routine cleaning, I think you could get by with a couple of cans of Gumout spray. Just make sure to spray out all the passages with cleaner and then blow them out with compressed air. The dealer should also have a Manual. Generic (Seloc, Clymer) will do fine for carb cleaning
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

Welcome CD!!

Before you order any kits (I recommend OE kits too) let's get your model number to avoid confusion. There was no 1984 120. There is a 1985 120 and a 1984 140 but they are very different animals.
 

DHPMARINE

Captain
Joined
Dec 16, 2003
Messages
3,688
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

Dhadley is right,except are you outside of the states? Maybe different there. $$$$$

Best bet is the OMC/BRP original carb kit.ALL the parts you need.

While aftermarket service manuals will walk you thru some things,they leave you staggering elsewhere.

Try kencook.com and Ebay for the real OMC
manual.Who knows what else you made need to fix.

DHP
 

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

I really appreciate your advice. As to the year of the engine, I'll have to get the numbers (like you suggested) and check it out. A boat dealer friend said that that year was special because they used the 150 hp lower unit. After checking for a new prop, he's Right, it does have a 150 lower unit. Again, thanks!!!
 

fuelbuster

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Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
4
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

clockdaddy said:
Where is the best (and most reasonable) place to get carb kits and a shop manual for my engine?
Based on the many questions and answers I've seen, I know the carbs need cleaning. The engine is typically coughing, sputtering and stalling at idle but runs great at full throttle...
Try SOAKING YOUR CARBS in Evinrude Johnson Engine Tuner (overnight) to help remove any accumulated corrosion and gunk.

Engine Tuner - BRP Evinrude Part Number 777185.

BRP Evinrude Carb Kit for
1984 150 HP engine and 1984 140 HP engine =
P/N 439076.

1985 120 HP Carb Kit = P/N 439078.
(120 hp use a black plastic body carburetor).

I prefer the genuine Evinrude/Johnson SERVICE Manual for instructions/repairs/maintenance.

Any Evinrude/Johnson/E-Tec dealer has the part numbers I listed above.

I would post a "link", for online stores that sell genuine evinrude parts and manuals, but I don't think that's allowed on a forum.

Sounds like you may have been running on fuel with too much alcohol (solvent/cleaning effect), or maybe because you recently switched to alcohol blend * E10 fuel, which has a cleansing/dissolving effect, and can cause clogging of the carbs (and pistons), in older engines.
This is a common problem/side-effect of alcohol fuels. - Also will notice filters get dirty faster and need to be repaced more often with E10 fuel, especially in older or dirty engines.


Stalling, hesitation and difficulty accelerating WOT, black smoke, are all common symptoms of too high alcohol content of fuel. (over 10%).
Same symptoms (and more), for running on phase-separated/water contaminated gasoline...

Of course really "bad" gas will prevent the engine from starting at all.

Only use fresh gas from brand name gas stations - E10 gas expires in 90 days.


* State laws vary regarding pump labeling, when "ethanol alcohol" added for oxygenation.
Where I live, then are not required to reveal ethanol was added to gas at pump. Ask the station owner, or check the fuel for alcohol yourself before buying.

Good Luck -
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

Well, your dealer friend is almost right. The gearcase is the size of a V6 unit (and that tells us it is indeed a looper) but it isn't exactly the same as a V6 gearcase. The main difference is the gear ratio. Your gear ratio is 2.25:1, a standard V4 unit is 2:1 and a standard V6 unit is 1.86:1.

It really doesn't mean anything unless you're trying to figure slip % or ordering parts. But it does suggest the dealer could be better informed.
 

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

fuelbuster said:
clockdaddy said:
Where is the best (and most reasonable) place to get carb kits and a shop manual for my engine?
Based on the many questions and answers I've seen, I know the carbs need cleaning. The engine is typically coughing, sputtering and stalling at idle but runs great at full throttle...
Try SOAKING YOUR CARBS in Evinrude Johnson Engine Tuner (overnight) to help remove any accumulated corrosion and gunk.

Engine Tuner - BRP Evinrude Part Number 777185.

BRP Evinrude Carb Kit for
1984 150 HP engine and 1984 140 HP engine =
P/N 439076.

1985 120 HP Carb Kit = P/N 439078.
(120 hp use a black plastic body carburetor).

I prefer the genuine Evinrude/Johnson SERVICE Manual for instructions/repairs/maintenance.

Any Evinrude/Johnson/E-Tec dealer has the part numbers I listed above.

I would post a "link", for online stores that sell genuine evinrude parts and manuals, but I don't think that's allowed on a forum.

Sounds like you may have been running on fuel with too much alcohol (solvent/cleaning effect), or maybe because you recently switched to alcohol blend * E10 fuel, which has a cleansing/dissolving effect, and can cause clogging of the carbs (and pistons), in older engines.
This is a common problem/side-effect of alcohol fuels. - Also will notice filters get dirty faster and need to be repaced more often with E10 fuel, especially in older or dirty engines.


Stalling, hesitation and difficulty accelerating WOT, black smoke, are all common symptoms of too high alcohol content of fuel. (over 10%).
Same symptoms (and more), for running on phase-separated/water contaminated gasoline...

Of course really "bad" gas will prevent the engine from starting at all.

Only use fresh gas from brand name gas stations - E10 gas expires in 90 days.


* State laws vary regarding pump labeling, when "ethanol alcohol" added for oxygenation.
Where I live, then are not required to reveal ethanol was added to gas at pump. Ask the station owner, or check the fuel for alcohol yourself before buying.

Good Luck -
 

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

You all are great! This is the first time I've posted a question and I'm amazed at your responses and consideration of this mechanical idiot! Thanks a million!!!!!
 

fuelbuster

Recruit
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
4
Response from the "Mechanical Idiot"

Response from the "Mechanical Idiot"

ClockDaddy said,"Where is the best (and most reasonable) place to get carb kits and a shop manual for my engine?
Based on the many questions and answers I've seen, I know the carbs need cleaning."

I thought posting the genuine BRP/OMC Part Numbers (carb kits) would be helpful to you - Guess I was just wasting my time.

Sounds like you're calling ME a "mechanical idiot" - Very rude.

No I'm not a mechanic, but my engines do NOT have clogged carbs, and are NOT "coughing, sputtering and stalling" like yours are.

Maybe if you had some knowledge on "good gas" and "bad gas", (E10) and preventive maintenance on outboards fuel systems when running on alcohol fuels, you wouldn't have to ask your question in the first place.

I may have mis-quoted the OMC BRP CERTIFIED dealer that gave me the info on "which carb kit for which engine"...
and I'll check with him later - BTW he's my brother, The Outboard Wizard...

Still doesn't justify you calling me an "idiot", when I was just trying to be helpful.

Guess I'll refrain from posting "fuel system - ethanol" information on this thread -
The guys here still seem to foolishly believe that alcohol/water and bad gas does not cause any problems in outboard engines.

ClockDaddy, you are the type of boater the mechanics/dealers love:
those who screw-up their engines from bad fuel and no prevention, who later run around trying to find parts/assistance to fix it.

All my engines (old and new) run smoothly, ALL THE TIME -
And I wouldn't wait until I had performance problems to figure out my carbs/fuel system was clogged.

Have a nice day-
Gail
 

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Re: Response from the

Re: Response from the

fuelbuster said:
ClockDaddy said,"Where is the best (and most reasonable) place to get carb kits and a shop manual for my engine?
Based on the many questions and answers I've seen, I know the carbs need cleaning."

I thought posting the genuine BRP/OMC Part Numbers (carb kits) would be helpful to you - Guess I was just wasting my time.

Sounds like you're calling ME a "mechanical idiot" - Very rude.

No I'm not a mechanic, but my engines do NOT have clogged carbs, and are NOT "coughing, sputtering and stalling" like yours are.

Maybe if you had some knowledge on "good gas" and "bad gas", (E10) and preventive maintenance on outboards fuel systems when running on alcohol fuels, you wouldn't have to ask your question in the first place.

I may have mis-quoted the OMC BRP CERTIFIED dealer that gave me the info on "which carb kit for which engine"...
and I'll check with him later - BTW he's my brother, The Outboard Wizard...

Still doesn't justify you calling me an "idiot", when I was just trying to be helpful.

Guess I'll refrain from posting "fuel system - ethanol" information on this thread -
The guys here still seem to foolishly believe that alcohol/water and bad gas does not cause any problems in outboard engines.

ClockDaddy, you are the type of boater the mechanics/dealers love:
those who screw-up their engines from bad fuel and no prevention, who later run around trying to find parts/assistance to fix it.

All my engines (old and new) run smoothly, ALL THE TIME -
And I wouldn't wait until I had performance problems to figure out my carbs/fuel system was clogged.

Have a nice day-
Gail
 

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Re: Response from the

Re: Response from the

clockdaddy said:
fuelbuster said:
ClockDaddy said,"Where is the best (and most reasonable) place to get carb kits and a shop manual for my engine?
Based on the many questions and answers I've seen, I know the carbs need cleaning."

I thought posting the genuine BRP/OMC Part Numbers (carb kits) would be helpful to you - Guess I was just wasting my time.

Sounds like you're calling ME a "mechanical idiot" - Very rude.

No I'm not a mechanic, but my engines do NOT have clogged carbs, and are NOT "coughing, sputtering and stalling" like yours are.

Maybe if you had some knowledge on "good gas" and "bad gas", (E10) and preventive maintenance on outboards fuel systems when running on alcohol fuels, you wouldn't have to ask your question in the first place.

I may have mis-quoted the OMC BRP CERTIFIED dealer that gave me the info on "which carb kit for which engine"...
and I'll check with him later - BTW he's my brother, The Outboard Wizard...

Still doesn't justify you calling me an "idiot", when I was just trying to be helpful.

Guess I'll refrain from posting "fuel system - ethanol" information on this thread -
The guys here still seem to foolishly believe that alcohol/water and bad gas does not cause any problems in outboard engines.

ClockDaddy, you are the type of boater the mechanics/dealers love:
those who screw-up their engines from bad fuel and no prevention, who later run around trying to find parts/assistance to fix it.

All my engines (old and new) run smoothly, ALL THE TIME -
And I wouldn't wait until I had performance problems to figure out my carbs/fuel system was clogged.

Have a nice day-
Gail
I'm sorry that I had to sign off before gail's last comment. The mechanical idiot I was talking about was ME! As I said, I really do appreciate the advise given to me.If you feel insulted, it's simply because you took my statement the wrong. Why would I insult anyone that's trying to help?
 

clockdaddy

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Joined
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Messages
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Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

I'm sorry that I had to sign off before Gail's last comment. The mechanical idiot I was talking about was ME! As I said, I really do appreciate the advice given to me.If you feel insulted, it's simply because you took my statement wrong. Why would I insult anyone that's trying to help?
 

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
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Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

I readily admit that I have a huge amount to learn about repairing engines. I do know a little about the effects of ethanol on car and truck engines since Ideal with these daily since I'm the Program Coordinator for repairs done to over 5000 vehicles in our Fleet. I can talk the talk about repairs, but I can't walk the walk.
So few people work on boat engines in our area and those that do readily take advantage of their clientel. I am attempting to make the effort to learn what I can to do some of my own repairs and any information I can get is greatly appreciated.
I've be told that cleaning the carbs of my engine is basically an easy process. If I knew how to do it, why would I be asking for advice and where to get the best shop manual? It's because I'm a mechanical idiot when it comes to boat engines.
 

clockdaddy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

clockdaddy said:
I'm sorry that I had to sign off before Gail's last comment. The mechanical idiot I was talking about was ME! As I said, I really do appreciate the advice given to me.If you feel insulted, it's simply because you took my statement wrong. Why would I insult anyone that's trying to help?
Oh, by the way, I didn't "wait" until I had problems before attempting maintenance. I bought the boat about 2 months ago and have had it out once. I recognized there was a problem and put it back in my garage and haven't taken it out again. I was waiting til the cold days of winter to attempt the repairs cause I'm like everyone else, I've got plenty of things to do when the weather is good. Fixing the engine is an indoor task and it makes sense for me to do it during adverse weather.
 

mikesea

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 1, 2006
Messages
1,830
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

clockdaddy,relax,chill, it does appear fuelbuster read the post wrong,I just spent about 10 minutes trying to figure out who said what to whom and why.I read your post and realized you were talking about yourself.Now lets forget about it .I hate to see attitudes on a good forum,especially on a mistake.
 

reeldutch

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
1,340
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

before you clean the carbs make shure all your other fuel systems are clean.
start with the tank and end with the yets in your carbs.

-tank vent
-tank
-pickup tube
-antisyphon valve
-fuel hose
-water fuel seperator
-primerbulp
-fuel hose connecter
-inline fuel filter
-fuel pump

if this is all clean and air tight and doesnt restrict the fuel flow(vacuum) and your fuel pump puts out enough fuel pressure about 4 psi, then you might assume you need a carb job.

jumping into cleaning your carbs might help but for how long???

reeldutch
 

reeldutch

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
1,340
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

specialy if its ethanol related problem.
also change the gaskets.

good luck
 

clockdaddy

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Joined
Dec 7, 2006
Messages
32
Re: 1984 Evinrude 120 VRO carb problems

Thanks mikesea.I'm chilled...

reeldutch, one of the things that lead to the boats condition is that it has only had about 100 hrs. on it since it was new. Needless to say, that's a lot of sittin' around! What you say makes good sense. Is the cleaner from NAPA what you recommend for cleaning everything up? Frankly, I was so focused on the motor, I really didn't think about the other "stuff"!!
 
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