Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

[rbruce63]

In a past thread I read that the 1996 Johnson/Evinrude 90 horsepower V4 could either be a 90 degree head or a 60 degree head being the later the most advanced one.<br /><br />I would like to know if the SPL badge on the cover of one of these 90 V4's describes the motor as a 60 degree or a 90 degree. Please help!<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />RBruce63

 

[P.V.]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

SPL or "Special" is a 90 degree Cross-flo mtr!

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

Can you provide gas consumption figures, i.e. is this a gas hog vs. the loop charged head?

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

And how much more will the 115 HP V4 consume vs. the 90 V4 cross flow? Is the Economixer oil pump the weak link and why?

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

Finally, when did the 60 degree Johnson 90 V4 came to light?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

The V4 60 degree was introduced in '95, the V6 came out in '91.

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

So, could the SPL be a 60 degree?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

The SPL is a crossflow, as was explained earlier in a post. The crossflow motor has the trim switch on the starboard side of the motor-pan and the 60 degree has the switch on the port side.

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

Thanks for clarifying. Could you indicate any special concerns with the Economixer pump (VRO)?

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

Are factory sanctioned repair manuals available, should I consider a Seeloc or Clymers for starters?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

motor should use abut 1/th the max hp ratings in Gallons Per hour... you motor will burn 9 gallons per hour at WOT, give or take a small amount, but youll find that this formula is 99 percent dead on!!!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

Are you sure you have an Economixer on that motor?

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

Dhadley:<br /><br />I belive so. The 88 was a 90 without the oil pump and reservoir to make it competitive against Force outboard by US Marine. I do not know that the oil pump is called Economixer or VRO in this Sea Horse, though!<br /><br />Any other suggestions as to this motor's reliability and ease of maintenance?

 

[P.V.]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

You do not have an economixer on that mtr. If you did, you would shoot yourself!! Economixers were pre-VRO electronic oil metering system :1981 or '82, or so! It's no wonder that the Japanese came out with the Mukini style mechanical oil pumps when they came to America, OMC just HAD to do it THEIR way, even tho it cost 'em zillions of $$$$'s and lost customers!!!

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

Wow PV! So the VRO and or the Economixer is the weak link? should one buy a new VRO for this motor just to be on the safe side?

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

This 90 SPL is mounted on a boat in the Northeast but I do know little about it's history. It looks brand new from the pictures that the dealer sent and I just want to know if it is a good buy.<br /><br />The boat is a 1996 Sunbird Spirit Ski and Fish. The seating arrangement looks odd to me but the idea of fishing with my son appeals to me. I am not into boat rallying but like to explore rivers and lakes and this boat could work for me and my 1995 GMC Jimmy to tow it.<br /><br />Please feel in whatever concerns you might have on this motor and boat combination!

 

[DJ]

Re: Is Johnson 90 V4 SPL 90 degree or 60 degree?

As explained, the SPL is definetely a crossflow. One of the finest engines ever made. They are a bit thirsty but extremely reliable with routine maintenance. It is one of my all time favorites. I've owned three. <br /><br />The oil injection pumps produced by OMC have been much maligned and not deservingly. They work fine if they are serviced correctly. Servicing merely means removing the oil tank, periodically, dumping the old oil and refilling/priming.<br /><br />It is advisable to pre-mix (50:1) until you verify oil useage from a serviced tank.<br /><br />You may also want to decarb that engine. See the link below.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=000016