1985 johnson 150gt

[huskeria]

Hi all,

I don't know a lot about engines and am hoping to get some insight. I think I am in trouble.

I have enjoyed this outboard. It will get up and go when I want it to. However, the last few times I have taken it out I have been having issues. I have a difficult time starting it and it always seems to be flooded when I do get it going.

Today I went out with some friends and again it was difficult to start. When I do get it started it seems to not idle quickly enough.

When I finally got going, it wouldn't go past five miles an hour or it killed. I looked at my gauges and the water pressure read zero. I dint know if the gauge was bad or if my motor wasn't cooling.

So, does it sounds like I am a dummy that killed his outboard? Any chance it could be something less costly? Is it likely that an outboard in the water wasn't getting cooled?

I am thinking I am screwed but any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1985 johnson 150gt

You probably noticed whether there was any water coming out of the telltale while you were running the engine. These telltale hose barbs can plug up with debris, esp if you are a fisherman and run the engine in shallow/weedy areas. Do a compression check. That engine should probably have around 90 plus pounds of compression on each cylinder. If you have good compression, then start move on to check spark and fuel issues.

 

[huskeria]

Re: 1985 johnson 150gt

Thanks for responding. No, I didn't notice any water but then again I was paying attention to my two kids. What is the worse case scenario? If water wasn't cooling the motor am I dragging around a worthless outboard?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1985 johnson 150gt

Just because the telltale does not work does not mean the powerhead is cooked. Your compression test will tell you that.