1989 Johnson 200GT won't run when cooling water is applied

ballply03

Recruit
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
5
My motor runs good when no cooling water is being pumped. As soon as I put the motor in water it kills the engine. I ran just fine in May, I took it out for a 1 hour crusie. Then I parked it until June. Then this problem came up, at first it just wouldn't idle with some noticeable powerloss. So I had the carburators rebuilt but still the same thing. I'm getting water into the cylinders some how is what I think. I checked the head gaskets and even applied a little gasket sealer but it didn't seem to help. The cylinder walls look great with not noticeable cracks. The powerheads were rebuilt three years ago and bore .040 over with little useage since then. I think its a gasket somewhere what do you think could be the problem, it seems to be affecting the compression on the right side as well. Left side compression is around 100 and right side is between 60 and 90! The weird part is the boat ran just fine in may from the time I unloaded to load no indications of and future problem Then all of a sudden it won't run. Frustrating! Thanks for any input
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: 1989 Johnson 200GT won't run when cooling water is applied

The low compression on one bank suggests either a bad head gasket or some more serious problem.<br /><br />Did you replace the head gaskets when you say you "checked" them? How did you check them?<br /><br />Tell us what you have done already, and we can tell you what to do next.
 

ballply03

Recruit
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
5
Re: 1989 Johnson 200GT won't run when cooling water is applied

I pulled the head off and inspected the sealing surface and the gasket. I saw no cracks or scratches that would indicate a leak. I applied a thin layer of GasketMaker to the head side just to hold it in place. The gasket looked a little rust color, and I'm going to order a new gasket set.
 

Walker

Captain
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: 1989 Johnson 200GT won't run when cooling water is applied

What do the sparkplugs look like after running the engine? I'm thinking you may have one or more bad recirculation valves.
 

ballply03

Recruit
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
5
Re: 1989 Johnson 200GT won't run when cooling water is applied

I replaced them as well but they didn't looked fouled or anything. I just orderd new head gaskets I get them on friday well see then if thats it. Can you elborate more on the recirulation valves? I not sure where to find them and how to check them.
 
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