2000 Johnson 150 hp J150VXSSS, pros & cons?

[kjdunne]

I see the above advertised on craigslist and I am considering it to replace my 1996 130 hp V4. My boat is a '96 Sunbird Neptune 202 rated for 150 hp. I hope it will be smoother than my V4, plus the few extra ponies can't hurt. Any pros and cons about this series of motors? I know all the pre-purchase checks ie compression, gearcase pressure / vacuum test, general condition, etc. to do. Your thoughts? Thanks!

 

[reiddo1]

Pros: quiet for a 2 stroke, low maintenance, amazing torque for quick on plane
Con: quite thirsty

 

[Chris1956]

I have a 1998 Johnny 150HPV6, 2 cycle 60*. Lots of low end power, not too much top speed. I have it on a heavy 21 footer, and cannot get 40MPH, downhill with the wind. It will clearly be an upgrade over your V4, but why buy one only a couple of years newer? Hopefully it is inexpensive.

 

[kjdunne]

Chris, the ad photo looks good and the seller tells me by phone it is very clean and runs well on a stand. He said it has even compression of 110 on all cyls and clean gearcase oil. He did not run it on a boat.. The asking price is $2950 or BO with binnacle control & cables, system check tach & cable, oil tank and alum prop. He will take my 130 in trade, value TBD when he sees it. The main reason for the change is my 130 just won't run right at mid range rpms, 3500 - 4000 or so, and is getting tempermental at low rpms now. I think it is carb related and am told they were not that good to begin with. I posted about it here in Oct 14 & Jul 15. Anyway, I think it's worth a look and some bargaining, and I'll try to get some sort of guarantee that it will run right thru all rpm ranges when on my boat. I am sending you a PM. Thanks, Kal

 

[reiddo1]

I concur with all previous comments and add that I am running this same engine for the past 5 years with no problems whatsoever on a Glastron v216 Sea Fury. I cannot compare fuel consumption to a 4 stroke because I only hear that they are much better they are than a 2 stroke without quantifying the difference. My carburetted 150 with 6 individual carburettors can really guzzle the fuel at WOT but at her sweet spot between 3200 and 3500 rpm I am satisfied with her consumption, bearing in mind the boat size and weight. They are indeed very dependable workhorses.

 

[jakedaawg]

That's a good price with controls in my area. NW Lower michigan. Assuming freshwater and verified specs. I'd buy it, cheap powr is hard to come by without having to dispose of a donor boat.

 

[GA_Boater]

Folks - Since this thread was started in October, it's doubtful the motor is still available, the OP bought it with no update or passed on the deal.

Closed for now.