Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

bcomer

Seaman
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
63
Have 70 HP Johnson with VRO. The engine appears to run faster when connected to portable (clip on) gas tank vs. when running off stationary larger fuel tank.

Ran new hoses and replaced fuel connection clip at engine.

Any suggestions why this may occur?
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

Suspect a fuel restriction on the built in tank.

(Fuel Anti Siphon Valve)
(J. Reeves)

Many of the later OMC V/6 engines incorporate a fuel restriction warning via a vacuum device attached to the powerhead. If the engine overheats, or if you have a fuel restriction, the warning is the same.... a steady constant beep.

NOTE... Only the V/6 & V/8 engines have the above "Fuel Restriction Warning". The warning horn will not sound on the other models.

The fact that a engine is not overheating, but the warning horn sounds off with a constant steady beep, and that the rpms drop drastically would indicate that the engine is starving for fuel due to a fuel restriction. Check the built in fuel tank where the rubber fuel line attaches to the tank fitting. That fitting is in all probability a "Anti Siphon" valve which is notorious for sticking in a semi closed position. It will be aluminum, about 2" long, and the insides of it will consist of a spring, a ball, and a ball seat. If this valve exists, remove it, knock out those inner components which will convert it to a straight through fitting, then re-install it. Hopefully that cures the problem.

The above procedure will cure a restriction problem with the anti siphon valve as stated. BUT, it may also allow fuel to drain backwards to the fuel tank when the engine is not running (siphoning backwards) due to the fact that the carburetors/fuel pump etc are higher than the fuel tank. This condition is not an absolute as the valves in the fuel primer bulb usually prevent this backwards siphoning problem. However.... if this does take place, the cure would be to install a new anti siphon valve.
 

bcomer

Seaman
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
63
Re: Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

Thanks for that I'll give it a look. Should have mentioned that boat has two tanks with a solinoid that switches between tanks.

Performance is no better or worse using either stationary tank. Engine does not run bad or feel starved for fuel but appears to runs faster when connected to the portable tank.

Could solinoid be part of problem?

Also, do not get any warning buzzers as referenced in previous post.

Thanks
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

If any of the hoses or valves pertaining to that dual tank setup incorporates smaller diameter hoses, that would present a problem.
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

When you say "it appears to run faster" are you basing this on a actual tach reading?
Is the fuel in the onboard tanks older than the portable tank?
What is the mix ratio of the portable tank?
 

bcomer

Seaman
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
63
Re: Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

Gas is new in both onboard and portable tanks. The oil in portable tank is mixed 50:1 and the main tanks are mix oil through VRO.

One note though if it makes a differnce. We did not disconnect the oil feed from onboard VRO oil supply when we ran off portable tank so maybe it was getting more oil at that point --will that make a difference?

Speed was note noted via tach or speedo -- just an obvious difference running boat wide open.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

Your post "We did not disconnect the oil feed from onboard VRO oil supply when we ran off portable tank so maybe it was getting more oil at that point --will that make a difference?"

My reply..... Yep, double oil.
 

bcomer

Seaman
Joined
Dec 22, 2003
Messages
63
Re: Difference in performance 70 HP Johnson

Thanks. And I do realize it was double oil but to clarify my question would double oil make the motor run stronger and achieve greater speed?
 
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