After a long search, a 1996 Four Winns with a 130HP Johnson

[Mscanon99]

Hi All,

I posted several times over the last month about boats I was considering....Thanks to all that replied. The process to become a boat owner was time consuming. I was looking for a used boat with an outboard that I could use for recreation and fishing. I looked at allot of boats, almost purchased several and kept coming back to this forum for information and advice....this site really helped me out...so again, a big thanks to all the people who post here, as the comments and advice were outstanding.

I have finally came to a decision I am really confident in, a 1996 Four Winns 190 Horizon with a fiberglass lined floor and a Johnson 130 V4. The boat seams like a quality build and have confidence in Four Winns, I have a few questions about the motor however......

1. It is oil injected, but I don't think they call it a VRO anymore, at least its not stamped with this ID and I think the system has evolved over the years. I belive the V in VRO stood for Variable...anyway, can someone explain what the oil injection system is on a later (1996) model and any of the plus/minus's?

2. Thanks to Iboats forum, I found the website with info on older Four Winns, the motor is listed as a 130 TL, and on the next model up, the Horizon 200, they get the TX version. What is the difference and should I be on the lookout for anything on this?

3. The product info also lists Teleflex Hydrolic Steering...any comments on this?

4. If the boat does not have a fuel/water separator, should I get one? I think they run less than 200.00 installed, or I could do it myself, seems like a worthy investment considering the ethenol situation.

5. What is a looper and is it a good thing? Based on my reading on this forum, I think this is a looper....but don't know what this is or if its important.

Any other comments about this motor set up would be great .

Thanks again to all.

 

[1730V]

Re: After a long search, a 1996 Four Winns with a 130HP Johnson

Congrat's.

You're right. VRO meant variable. The later oil injection units just injected oil at a rate of 50:1. For your own piece of mind, service the unit. Do this.
1. Drain the oil tank.
2. Replace the filter sock.
3. Refill the oil tank with a good TCW-3 rated oil and prime.
4. Run a 50:1 mixture in the fuel until you verify oil useage.


L= long (20") X= extra long 25"

The hydraulic steering is great.

Put a water seperator on it. They're available here at iboats. It's a simple add.

It is a "looper" Great engine. Gobs of torque. Loop charging has to do with the way the fuel/air and exhaust enter and are scavanged from the cylinders. The are more fuel efficient than "cross flows".

Service the water pump and lower unit lube.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: After a long search, a 1996 Four Winns with a 130HP Johnson

when you clean the oil tank, disconnent the oil line at the fuel pump, and purge all the air out of the line. if you don't you will get a warning alarm. boat and motor, should make a great combination.