1989 Johnson 150 starting problem

[bill9259]

I have an 89 crossflow 150 V6 that was just rebuilt. It starts cold on the primer system but runs very rough. After it runs a little while and comes up to Temp. it seems to stall out and quits. When I try to restart it, it will not fire at all. I pulled all six plugs and grounded them and they fire when cranking the engine over. I did not see how far the spark would jump. After I let it sit a while I can get it restarted but it still runs rough. I am having so much trouble getting started and running on the hose that I don't want to go to the boat ramp yet until I feel like the engine is running OK. Can I have an electrical component that is breaking down when the engine warms up? Could my problem be a powerpack or stator issue? I have another stator that I could swap and see if the engine runs better. In some of the reading I have done it seemed this engine could go thru a powerpack or two. What powerpack supplier is the best one to use. Any help getting this engine to run right would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150 starting problem

I would find out how far the spark will jump on ea cylinder.
Get a cheap gap tester.
If it passes that test then move on to the next test.
It was rebuilt so it could be linkage or sync.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150 starting problem

Use and inductive timing light and check each plug wire when it is running. You should see strong, constant flashes from each plug wire. Also look for problems- intermittent or weak flashes. Are you sure the coil/plug wires are matched up with the correct plugs? When the engine was overhauled, were the carbs completely torn down and gone through during the overhaul? Is the fuel pump providing enough fuel to run the engine?

 

[bill9259]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150 starting problem

The carbs were completely taken off and cleaned with carb. cleaner. Since the engine is an 89 it has one powerpack that has individual leads to each coil. The wires are cut at different lengths so they seem to be only able to connect to the proper coils. Everything seems as though it was assembled properly. It starts but after it runs a while and the engine is warm it will not even try to fire at all. Is this a symptom of a bad powerpack?

 

[kjdunne]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150 starting problem

I agree wiyh the spark gap test. It should jump 7/16" with a strong blue zap. Check all cyls. cold, and then again warm when it stalls. Post back with results.

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1989 Johnson 150 starting problem

The carbs were completely taken off and cleaned with carb. cleaner. Since the engine is an 89 it has one powerpack that has individual leads to each coil. The wires are cut at different lengths so they seem to be only able to connect to the proper coils. Everything seems as though it was assembled properly. It starts but after it runs a while and the engine is warm it will not even try to fire at all. Is this a symptom of a bad powerpack?

carbs should get rebuild kits installed,
yep the power pack could be bad ,
the way to start testing ignition is the spark test.
I wouldn't start by swapping the PP out because it could be the stator breaking down as it gets hot.
Do you have the factory manual yet?

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