Am I expecting to much from my engine

clanton

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 9, 2001
Messages
4,876
If you reroute the recirlation hoses to 1990 specs, it will idle smoother. The hose diagram is in the 1990 OEM service manual.
 

fishcakes

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2005
Messages
27
Am I expecting to much from my engine

Can someone tell me if a rough idle is common with the mid 80's johnson v4s. I have been trying to run down a rough idle issue with no luck and am wondering if it's as good as it's going to get. See thread "question for Dhadley -part 2" for all the repairs done to date. I just dont know if continuing to tinker will help or am I just wasting my time. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 

kirkland

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 2, 2003
Messages
195
Re: Am I expecting to much from my engine

In my opinion it should idle smoothly...not rough...if it's idleing rough there is a issue...IMHO
 

fishcakes

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2005
Messages
27
Re: Am I expecting to much from my engine

Clanton, can you explain further. There appears to be only one way to route these hoses. Also, any idea where I can get a copy of the diagram without buying the service manual.
 

fishcakes

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2005
Messages
27
Re: Am I expecting to much from my engine

Clanton, can you explain further. There appears to be only one way to route these hoses. Also, any idea where I can get a copy of the diagram without buying
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Am I expecting to much from my engine

It is tough to troubleshoot an OB without a manual unless you are a professional marine wrench. What you end up doing is tinkering without solving the problem. You might get lucky but more often than not you will get frustrated and not solve the problem. If you can't afford a service manual go to the reference section of your library.<br /><br />Now to your question - The V4s will idle fairly smoothly if set up right. Check timing, sync & link, carbs (spotlessly clean), good spark, fresh fuel & make sure that you have the right thermostats as the OMCs will not idle smoothly unless they get to the proper operating temp.
 

fishcakes

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2005
Messages
27
Re: Am I expecting to much from my engine

SoLittle, All of the things you mention have been checked, cleaned, replaced, repaired, ect. ect. per the service manuals step by step instructions. Thats why I'm beginning to wonder if I'm wasting my time. On the operating temp issue, according to my temp guage, which I know is not perfect, I have approx. 140 degrees on thew port head and approx. 160 degrees on the starbord head. I believe that is within spec. Any thoughts anyone.
 
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