DIY tuneup

[trobinson017]

Hey all,

Thanks as always for the excellent support and help you all give. It's helping to make me a better, safer and more self-sufficient boat owner.

I've had my Johnson 130 Ocean Pro outboard for 5 years. It's a '99 but I got it in 2003 as the first owner. Long story but it was not used prior to 2003. In that time it's not had a tune-up, per se. The carbs were rebuilt in 2004 (I believe I got scammed on that one), I replace the spark plugs every year but other than fix problems I haven't done anything else to tune it. It's a little rough running at low speeds and at idle. It's smoother at planing speed and above. Also, it smokes quite a bit when I first start it up. Big cloud of bluish/white smoke. Doesn't last, just at start up.

I use the boat at least once a week, year round. No lengthy downtime unless it can't run due to problems.

What things can I do myself to tune up the motor? What can I do to make it run smoother at idle and low speeds? How about reducing the start up smoke?

I can't afford a mechanic to come to my house and I don't have a trailer. There aren't any places I can think of on the water where I could take the boat and leave it for a mechanic to work on. So, I need to take care of as much of the work as I possibly can by myself.

Any other tips on keeping the motor in tip-top shape is greatly appreciated.

TIA!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: DIY tuneup

well you are due for a water pump service, impeller change, lower unit oil change, which can not be done in the water carb cleaning, would probably help with low speed issues. if everything else is fine, that is what i would do. if you do a lot of low speed trolling, a decarb would not hurt. smoke in normal on a cold start.

 

[JB]

Re: DIY tuneup

There is nothing. . .nothing. . .you can do that will be more helpful than to get and study an OEM Service Manual. It will tell you what to do, when, and show you how to do it.

It will be the best investment you ever make.

I agree with what TD says with a little bit of difference. Since you use the boat so often I am not so sure that your carbs need cleaning. The more you use an outboard the better carbs like it. The big exception there is the impeller. It should be changed at least once in 2 years and better annually.

Get the manual. Replace the impeller and low end grease. Then do a link 'n' synch. You are going to have to find a way to get the outboard lower end out of the water. No easy task but it is essential.

 

[trobinson017]

Re: DIY tuneup

I failed to mention that I do service the lower unit annually. I have the boat on a lift so I can access it and probably get the lower unit off to replace the impeller. I'll get me a service manual as well.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: DIY tuneup

good Job.

 

[Randybeall]

Re: DIY tuneup

JB and TD have covered the bases on what you need to do very well. The last step after your decarb would be a fresh set of spark plugs and you should be good to go with less smoke for another couple of years.