2000 johnson 115

Btuvi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Johnson lists three different models for their 115 engine, vxss, vlss, and plss. Anyone know the difference?

Any opinions regarding this particular year model engine?

What do I need to look for or ask about prior to purchase?

Thanks for your help.
 

Btuvi

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Re: 2000 johnson 115

Forgot to ask, are these engines carburated or fuel injected? And what am I asking when I ask that question. What is the difference?
 

Btuvi

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Re: 2000 johnson 115

And another thing, he said.

In trying to research this engine I ran across more info that I don't understand.

Someone suggested that a similar motor be "decarbed". What does that mean?

What is FICHT? How do I tell if this engine is that and is it desireable or not.

By the way, don't be fooled by my ignorance regarding this subject. It does not apply to all areas of my life. For instance, I can speak knowledgeably about - - well, let me get back to you.
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: 2000 johnson 115

evinrudes were FICHT motors, it was an electronic system that failed and bankrupt OMC. the Johnsons are carbed motors. the difference in models are options, short shaft, long shaft, etc.

decarb is a process to clean the internals of the motor, carbon build up, etc. an enema for the motor.
 

Btuvi

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Re: 2000 johnson 115

Tashasdaddy,

Thanks much for the info. I know you (or someone) must have explained the difference between carbed and fuel injected - and I probably replied that I now understood that difference. However, I must not have been telling the truth because I discover I still don't get it.

Just when I thought I got it I noticed a post that seemed to make a distinction between fuel injected and oil injected. I thought if you had the one you automatically had the other.

Here is the thing: In one instance there is an oil resevoir into which oil is added on a regular basis and then squirted into something at the same time the gas is. Is that close?

In another instance the oil is added to the gas and the combination pumped into the engine. That has been my experience.

So, does carbed mean oil and gas mixed beforehand?

I'm having problems asking this question but if you can read between the lines please try to tell me what I'm trying to figure out. I promise I will pay attention this time.

Thanks
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: 2000 johnson 115

since the mid 1980s, the larger motors were built with oil/fuel mixing pumps. it pumps oil from the oil tank, and fuel from fuel tank, and mixes it, then sends it to the carbs, or fuel injectors, which ever the motor has. people call it by different names, VRO, OMS, Oil injected, it all does the same thing.

the difference, is where the motor uses a carborator, or fuel injectors. the same with cars and truck, just a different way of delivering the fuel to the cylinders.

the 4 stroke motors are the only ones the the fuel/oil are not mixed.

the older outboards, and the ones where the mixer has been disabled, you put your fuel and oil into the gas tank. and it is delivered.

clear as mud??
 

Mscanon99

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Sep 10, 2007
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Re: 2000 johnson 115

Thats a nice boat, I like the cockpit, the fiberglass floor is great.

What are you going to use the boat for and where? How many people? This might have some impact on if this will fit your needs.

I had a simular Sea Ray DC which was a fish and ski, with a 115 Mercury OB. It was a better fishing boat than ski boat. I say this becuase it was heavy for its size compared to a tradional sport boat, so the 115HP didn't move it as quick as I wanted. I found that I was fishing 20% of the time and cruising/tubing/ski-ing the rest, therefor all the fishing aspects were not being used and I could not really get all my kids in it. The Sea Ray I used own was rated for up to a 135hp motor, and belive me I wish I had it.

Now I have an older Sunbird with a 115 Evinrude, which is basically the same motor as the Johnson your looking at. This boat is quicker becuase it is about 600 lbs lighter and has more seating. I got out of the Sea Ray and into the Sunbird for about 1/3 the cost. I miss the Sea Ray, like Wellcraft, they have great quality and I really miss the fiberglass floor. My carpeted floor is a pain in the *****. With a fiberglass floor, just wash it down, with carpet, you need to drag out the shop vac.

Anyway, enough of my rambeling....also make sure you:

Have it checked out good, bring someone who knows boats.
Engine compression
Water Pump
Past Maintenance (make sure it was done)
Tow Vehical (another lesson I learned with the Sea Ray, make sure you have enought to tow it.

Best of Luck,

MS
 

Btuvi

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Aug 4, 2008
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Re: 2000 johnson 115

MSCANNON, thank for taking the time to provide your thoughts. I expect to use the boat about 50% fishing and 50% cruising - or maybe just the opposite.

Good info appreciated.
 

Cricket Too

Lieutenant Commander
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May 14, 2003
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1,732
Re: 2000 johnson 115

Btuvi......The 2000 Johnson 115 is a great, strong engine. It's a carburated 4 cylinder engine, and has a great reputation as a bullet proof engine.

I have the same engine, except a '97, and it is a great engine, it's 11 years old and hasn't needed anything except normal maintenance, very reliable.

I would have the compression checked before you buy it, make sure all cylinders are within 10psi of each other. Ask the current owner what kind of maintenance has been performed on it...ask about how often water pump and thermostats have been done, if it was winterized in the winter, if the lower unit oil was changed every year...etc, etc...

If you do end up buying it, I would do the water pump right off the bat before you take it out, just so you know you have a good one in there.

Then see how it runs, before you decide what else to do. It may not need anything for a while if it's been taken care of.

Good luck.
 

Btuvi

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
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Re: 2000 johnson 115

Thanks to all for your helpful information.
 
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