Re: 1984 johnson 90 / fuel trouble
Actually could be either. A 1984 would be a first generation VRO system, unless you've removed yours. Some people remove them entirely and replace with a standard fuel pump, while others use the pump in the VRO and plug off the oil side. In either case, a cracked diaphram may allow fuel to enter the crankcase through the pressure line.
Stuck floats would also allow fuel to run through the motor from the bulb, as fuel would just flow right through the carbs when priming. Pull the carb cover and take a look - it'll be obvious if that's the case...
- Scott