225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

[klauricella]

I have a 1989 225 Johnson and it just started not getting over 4000rpm. I have checked both spark and compression and they are fine. Decided to check timing and using Joe Reeves method that the timing is at 28btdc. I tried to adjust and it does not change at all. Can the timer base go bad so that it will not advance the timing?

Thanks
Kevin

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

Have you checked compression and spark on all cylinders? Timing doesn't change by itself.

 

[klauricella]

Re: 225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

Yes spark and compression are fine the timing does not seem to advance at wide open throttle that is why I am wondering if the timer base is bad. Is that what would it cause this?


Thanks
Kevin

 

[esco]

Re: 225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

Try looking into your fuel lines, it sounds to me like you may have a fuel restriction somewhere. I was facing something similar and it ended up being a fuel restriction. My vent line was partially clogged and wasn't allowing the displacement of fuel/air. Not saying that's the case but perhaps one of your filters is clogged or there?s a kink in one of your fuel lines. The three key elements for producing power in an outboards are spark, compression and fuel. If anyone of those is missing you're going to experience a lack of power.

 

[daselbee]

Re: 225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

You are doing something wrong with the Reeves method. The timing at WOT is supposed to be 18 degrees BTDC, not 28.

Try this method....
start motor on muffs or in tub or in water. Warm up to operating temp. Shut off motor.
Disconnect the timer base from the linkage. Set throttle to idle position at the control. Now, the only thing that is free to move is the timer base.
Set up your timing light, get everything ready, water at the Water pump, etc. Manually push the timer base back to idle position, and start the motor. wait for Quick Start to kick out.

Manually move the timer base to the WOT position. Note that the throttles ARE NOT MOVING. The engine will rev up even tho the throttles are closed. Do not be alarmed at this. Check/set timing for 18* BTDC.

Reconnect the timer base to the linkage.

 

[klauricella]

Re: 225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

With the Quickstart wire (white/black) shorted do you have to wait for it to kick in or does it do it right away. I think maybe I was not waiting when I cranked the motor over.

Thanks
Kevin

You are doing something wrong with the Reeves method. The timing at WOT is supposed to be 18 degrees BTDC, not 28.

Try this method....
start motor on muffs or in tub or in water. Warm up to operating temp. Shut off motor.
Disconnect the timer base from the linkage. Set throttle to idle position at the control. Now, the only thing that is free to move is the timer base.
Set up your timing light, get everything ready, water at the Water pump, etc. Manually push the timer base back to idle position, and start the motor. wait for Quick Start to kick out.

Manually move the timer base to the WOT position. Note that the throttles ARE NOT MOVING. The engine will rev up even tho the throttles are closed. Do not be alarmed at this. Check/set timing for 18* BTDC.

Reconnect the timer base to the linkage.

 

[daselbee]

Re: 225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

Sounds like you are still referencing the Reeves method. Hardest part with newer motors is disabling QS.

The fact that you turn the key, and hit the starter solenoid with +12v on the yellow/red wire, signals the pack that this is a fresh start, and the pack goes into QS mode for approx 8 secs, even tho the white black is grounded signalling the pack that the engine is up to temp, even if it isn't.
So, yes you have to wait I guess. How you would tell QS is OFF is beyond me.
Disable QS this way:
QS white/black wire from port temp switch PACK SIDE to ground. Disconnect the yellow/red PACK SIDE at the starter solenoid and allow to float.
You must leave the yellow/red harness side attached or it will not crank. Or use a remote starter switch.

I use the method posted above because it does not require disabling the QS. All you have to do is wait a few secs for the engine to slow out of QS mode, and then rotate the timer base manually to the WOT stop bumper. I also use a piece of coat hanger to attach to the timer base arm to move it as required.

Do I need to say it? Keep away from the spinning flywheel.

 

[klauricella]

Re: 225 Looper will not rev over 4000rpm

You are correct you need to disconnect yellow/red fron solenoid and short out white/black and that looks alot better. I will try your method but right now the sun is out and a real pain to see the marks.

Thanks
Kevin