bolts came out of armature plate! help! 1988 Johnson 225 v6

[LimeyGuinea]

Hello all! I have a 1988 Johnson VRO (dont hate!) 225hp V6 outboard on my 24 ft. walk around. I have some knowledge of the mechanics of this motor and have my service manual but am in no way an expert! I have emailed my problem to several mechanics, and no one will respond! Any help is appreciated...

Recently while out, the motor started sounding horrible and seemed as if the timing was off. I took the cover off to find some bolts and the bracket pictured below laying on the block. I believe they came from the armature plate. please correct me if i am wrong, i have posted a picture of where they came from also. I replaced them using some loctite, but only used the weak blue stuff. I also did NOT remove the flywheel when i did this so im sure the torque was not as much as it should have been. Started her up, and she sounded better then ever! any previous sputters, idle stalls, etc were gone!

However, as boating goes, this lasted for an hour, then went back to the same sound as before... Opened the cover to find the same bolts and bracket vibrated out again! The holes dont appear to be stripped, the bolts tighten down and are not worn, and were clean.

I replaced the bolts again using red, high heat loctite, and used better tools to tighten them down good. Again, i didnt remove the flywheel as i am trying to prevent any more problems which might come from doing so! I havent started it yet, wanted to give a good 48 hours for the loctite to cure. I am hoping this keeps them in place.

Is this something that has happened to anyone else? Does anyone have a better solution? Also, i have a puller and proper tools to remove the flywheel, is this something fairly simple that i will be able to do with the boat still in my slip? Thanks for any help...


Matty
The Limey Guinea

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: bolts came out of armature plate! help! 1988 Johnson 225 v6

That is not an armature plate but I understand your confusion. It is the Top Main Bearing And Seal Assembly. I have only seen this happen one time in all my years in the marine line.

Unfortunately to cure that problem, you'll need to remove the flywheel, stator, and timer base in order to correct that problem. What you're doing with the LocTite is simply coating the grease and oil that is present on the crankcase threads... that'll never hold of course.

The bolts, bolt holes, bolt threads in the crankcase, ALL need to be perfectly clean. I use Lacquer Thinner or Acetone... either will do an excellent cleaning job. Use a formula of LocTite that is Heat Resistent as that area does get quite hot.

With that bearing/seal assembly removed, grab the crankshaft to see if you can possibly move it sideways. You shouldn't be able to move it as there will still bge two (2) center main bearings and one (1) bottom main bearing holding it securely.

After you have made repairs (or before if you wish), check the compression, spark, and piston play closely.

Compression should be approximately 100+ psi and even on all cylinders. (What are your readings?)

Spark (with all s/plugs removed) should jump a 7/16" inch with a strong blue lightning like flame... a real SNAP! (Does it?)

(Piston Play Check)
(J. Reeves)

This procedure will tell you if there is any wear or play in the Wrist Pin, Wrist Pin Bearing, or Connecting Rod to Crankshaft area.

Remove the spark plugs. Insert a screwdriver, dowel, punch, or some object of your choice through the s/plug hole and into the cylinder/piston area. Hold the tool lightly against the top of the piston. Turn the flywheel by hand, bringing the piston up to top dead center, then continue turning the flywheel to pull the piston down about a inch..... all the while holding the tool lightly against the piston top.

Now, at the point whereas the piston has been dropped down about a inch, grab the flywheel and hold it firmly. Now, push that tool solidly and firmly against the piston top.

If the piston moves without moving the flywheel, there is a problem (wear, play, clearance, etc) somewhere with the items mention in the first sentence. Be sure to check all of the pistons/cylinders.

 

[LimeyGuinea]

Re: bolts came out of armature plate! help! 1988 Johnson 225 v6

Thanks Joe! Of course it couldn't be something simple! I will get on this and get back to you! Your quick response and detailed help is greatly appreciated!