1986 Johnson....help

[tyndyn]

I have a 16 ft bassboat with a 1986 90hp VRO outboard.<br /><br />Serial # J6120946<br />Model # J90TJCOS<br /><br />I just purchased this boat (knowing the motor needed some work) and I am not hugely mechanically inclined. When I first got it, the starter would not work, and I replaced the solenoid. This worked and got it started. I also replaced the spark plugs.<br /><br />I took it to the lake. It started fine, and idled fine. There is virtualy no power when applying the throttle. The motor sounds fine. 12mph is about all it would do. After running for about 5 minutes an alarm went off in the throttle control box area. I am assuming this is some sort of overheat alarm. It was a non stop, steady alarm. <br /><br />Any suggestions on what I should do next. If I can do it myself I will sure try, but if necessary I will pay to get it fixed. I am hoping to have this boat running good by March, hopefully for under $1,000.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Tyndyn

 

[alden135]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

The first thing you need to do if your going to attempt the repairs yourself, is get a GOOD service manual. You can get a generic here at iboats.com or go to kencook or marineengine and get a factory one.<br /><br />There is lots of good help here but having a manual makes it easier to keep up. <br /><br />You could start by going to the FAQ section and reading the "awakening a sleeping outboard" topic.

 

[Bradster941]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

What did the mechanic that checked it out on your behalf advise you would need to be done before you actually spent your money to buy it?

 

[mikeyzx2]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

It's actually an '85....<br /><br />The steady buzzer means overheating. You'll need to replace the thermostat and waterpump impeller. Easy enough but you need to get book so you can learn how to do these things, alot cheaper than taking to the local wrench. <br /><br />When you say engine sounds normal can you be a tad more specific? If it's revving up but not accelerating then my guess is the prop has a spun hub. If so that can be repaired at prop shop. <br /><br />If the motor's not speeding up then you got other issues. Fill us in more....

 

[tyndyn]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

I have a Seloc Johnson/Evinrude repair manual. The person I bought it from said he thought there might be a bad piston, but he is about as mechanically inclined as me. The engine was revving, but barely accelerating. I may want to go to the lake again to verify this. <br /><br />I paid only 800 bucks for this boat so I knew I was going to have to put something in it. It did have 3 new batteries, an almost new foot control trolling motor and a couple of fish finders with it. The body, carpet, and all of that stuff is in pretty good condition. This boat sat for about 3 months before I started it up.<br /><br />Thanks for the help<br />Tyndyn

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

Read the manual first then check for spark at all cylinders and do a compression check. Post the results here - oh and tell us what spark plugs you are using. Our guys will advise you from there.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

If the engine was reving up while in gear, but you were going nowhere, I would suspect a spun prop hub. Do you have an RPM gauge, how high were the RPM's reving when you gave it throttle and didn't go anywhere? Not sure if you mean reving up high and going nowhere or just that it increased in RPM but was bogging.

 

[tyndyn]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

I am going to go to the lake again and make sure that what I am saying is accurate. I am also going to do a compression check and check the spark. Then I will repost for some help.<br /><br />Tyndyn

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

And pay careful attention to the alarm. If it goes off, shut the engine down. As posted by Mikey, that is the overheat alarm. It means the block temp is at the point where serious damage can occur if you keep the engine running.

 

[tyndyn]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

I have not made it back to the lake yet. I did do a compression test. <br /><br />3 cylinders were at 120 and 1 was 110.<br /><br />The spark plugs in it are autolite 2634<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1986 Johnson....help

Compression looks good. Plug choice looks bad. Get some QL77JC4 Champions.