1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

[KCKracker]

trying to help a friend. he has a 85 140 VRO

he was cruising, alarm went off, he checked everything and found the injection oil was low, not empty but low. he filled it and all was good, no problems the rest of the trip

Next trip he takes off, runs great, when he takes the RPM?s up he hits 2000 rpms the alarm comes back and the motor drops to a misfiring limp, im guessing like an oldschool automotive "limp mode". .

It goes away at low speed. When the alarm comes on, the boat engine seems forced to low RPM?s to prevent damage to engine (I assume). The alarm stays on for 10 minutes, then goes off (if he keep at low speed ? say 5 mph).


ideas?

 

[KCKracker]

Re: 1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

anyone know what all systems on this motor can cause an alarm to go off?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

You did not mention what type of alarm. A constant alarm is a powerhead overheat. An intermittent alarm (there may be two on that engine) are warnings from the oiling system. There is no "limp mode" on that powerhead for that year.

 

[eric the fisherman]

Re: 1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

soundsike a oil warning horn.this will sound if oil is low or nor flowing properly.is this a vro engine

 

[KCKracker]

Re: 1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

soundsike a oil warning horn.this will sound if oil is low or nor flowing properly.is this a vro engine

1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

yes vro

 

[KCKracker]

Re: 1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

You did not mention what type of alarm. A constant alarm is a powerhead overheat. An intermittent alarm (there may be two on that engine) are warnings from the oiling system. There is no "limp mode" on that powerhead for that year.

he said when it sounds it is nonstop

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1985 Johnson 140 VRO alarm issue

If he's operating the engine when the overheat warning is sounding-that could be part of the problem. As the pistons heat up, they expand and start to drag on the cyl walls. If he runs it long enough that way, it can slow the engine-even could result in an overheat lockup. (Pistons will lockup in the cyls.) Best to get a laser temp gun and do some measuring on both heads. That engine has a water-cooled combination rectifier/regulator in the top of the block. If it gets too hot, it could also develop problems/fail.