1988 Johnson 110 problems

MrMckee

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Two out of the last three times I went fishing I would be cruising along almost wide open (I never run wide open) when the motor seems to lose power, almost like I lose a cylinder? I throttle down to just above an idle then throttle back up and everything is fine. It seems to be happening more frequently. Some times it happens once or twice during a 6 hour period. I decided to replace all spark plugs. All of them looked the same except for one of them seem to have a little moisture/water on it. Head gasket or bigger problems?
 

Walker

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Jun 15, 2002
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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Could be several things but the first thing that pops into my mind is you're running out of fuel. Try squeezing the buld when it happens and see if the motor picksd back up.<br />Are the water looking plugs on the same side??
 

MrMckee

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Only one plug had water on it. The other three looked pretty muchthe same.
 

Silvertip

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

If its a head gasket, a compression check should confirm it. Water on the plug will put out the fire.
 

MrMckee

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Is this how to do a compression test? Remove all the spark plugs. Use a good, hot battery, put gauge in each hole in turn and hit starter for 2-3 revolutions or until guage stops rising.<br /><br />Or, follow the instructions that come with the guage.
 

emdsapmgr

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Have you got water in your fuel tank? Same symptoms.
 

MrMckee

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Nowater in fuel tank. Ok, so a compression test should confirm if it is a head gasket or not. What if the compresion on all 4 cylinders are within range then does that mean I have bigger problems? A head gasket replacement does not seem that hard to do. Thanks.
 

funpilot

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Check the compression. Then we can talk about bigger problems! Compression will show bad head gasket or broken rings.<br /><br />good luck,<br />fp
 

MrMckee

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

I will do compression test after work today and let you know. Thanks.
 

MrMckee

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Skipped compression test, got a new head gasket and defelectors. Took off head cylinders and walls looked good bottom defelector flattened out. Same cylinder I had water in. Could that have been what was letting water in? The mechanic at the Johnson/Evinrude shop said to use some gasket sealant on new gasket both sides. I said from what I hear you shoundn't use any? He said he was always taught to use it?? Ok. When I put the new defelectors in I can not get them to go in far enough so the are flush with cylinder walls? Should I cut some off or should I let the head smash them into place??? Thanks. If this does not cure the problems with the water in the cylinder........may be time for a new motor. WHen i started this thread I neglected to mention that the motor was rebuilt 3 years ago. I do not want to go through that again. Thanks.
 

Walker

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Deflectors do not keep water in or out of the cylinders. They direct the flow of cooling water around the cylinder walls and head cover.<br />Look in where the deflectors go to make sure there is no obstruction keeping the new ones from going in all the way. If you are sure they are going in far enough then trim them to fit. If you mash them in they will expand into space they shouldn't be.<br />Head gaskets require no added sealer. Check with a straight edge to see if your head and deck are flat.
 

MrMckee

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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

I measured the old ones and the new ones. The new ones were a wee bit longer than then the old ones. I just trimmed them, and I was good to go. One of my defelectors was smashed flat, which I understand is a sign of overheating? I have never had an alarm go off. Having said that I noticed today that both of the wires coming out of the top of the heads, which I assume are the wires that sense over heating, are not hooked up. They are light faded orange pinkish in color. I found two mystery wires that are the same color, I do not know if I should hook them up. If I am overheating is my thermostat bad, or is it time to change impeller? I always seem to have a good flow of water coming out the pee hole? The saga continues.
 

MrMckee

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May 10, 2006
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Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

Started motor up and she ran fine. Ran it on idle for about 10 minutes, puled plugs the twothat I changed head gasket on and no water. The true testwillbe when I do sea trial.
 

funpilot

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May 15, 2004
Messages
358
Re: 1988 Johnson 110 problems

On my 1990 90 horse the wires from the t-sensors go to the bullet connectors which emerge from the harness close to the t-sensors location. They are a funny pink/orange/tan color. I would hook them up and see if you get a horn, one at a time.<br /><br />fp
 
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