1993 Stratos 274 17ft with Johnson 115

[mick3446]

I just purchased a 1993 274 Stratos with a 1993 Johnson 115 model VJ115TLATS set up with a 3-3/8 x 17 prop. When I first went out on it took some time to to get on plane (over a minute). I put smart tabs on it, re-built the carbs and replaced the fuel filter today and it still seems to struggle to get on plane...I have to have my son go up to the bow of the boat to get in on plane... The boat appears to have been bought new with this motor so I am struggling to find out why it is not planing in a timely manner....any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1993 Stratos 274 17ft with Johnson 115

Is it running on all 4 cylinders ?? Do a cylinder drop test on it.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: 1993 Stratos 274 17ft with Johnson 115

does the engine rev up to at least 5k in 100 feet and are you trimmed all the way in. With a 17" prop and smart tabs you should jump on plane.

 

[mick3446]

Re: 1993 Stratos 274 17ft with Johnson 115

The engine never gets above 2500 rpm while trying to get on plane...once on plane it goes to 4500rpms. I'm wondering if it could be a coil? The compression is 120 pounds per square inch on all 4 cylinders.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: 1993 Stratos 274 17ft with Johnson 115

you have a problem as the engine is not putting out 115hp. You need to go back to basics and check the link and sync, spark test, decarb, etc

Are the throttle butterfly's opening fully, Does the timing lever move freely, Do you have spark on all 4 cylinders, Does the engine respond if you pump the fuel bulb, Is the timing correct, etc etc
I would expect a 115 trimmed in so the prop is slipping to make 5k rpm easy and once on plane the engine should be able to get to 5.5k rpm using a 17" prop.

 

[mick3446]

Re: 1993 Stratos 274 17ft with Johnson 115

The timing level moves freely, the carb butterfly's open fully and I did a spark test on each cylinder and all 4 are firing. What I notice was when I push the prime switch that the prime unit leaks fuel...but I didn't think that would leak enough fuel to under power the boat. I'm with "glenn property of pam" I think a 115hp should be okay with a 17" prop....I am completely lost to why it wont plane normally...I hate to buy a new prop if it was something simple. The boat idles smooth and when I hand turn the carb throttle link the motor revs up smoothly and quickly. if anyone else has any suggestions please send them my way....otherwise I will look into buy a different prop. thanks to all