Johnson 110hp VRO problems!

[StratosOwner94]

Hey guys! So lately my old 110 has been giving me some problems and I’d like help chasing them down! First off I’ll start by saying that my old motor is tired, it has lower compression then it should (low 90s all the way around) but as of this past weekend it began having more problems. First off it takes a long time for it to start (I assume this is due to the compression as I’ve recently changed and gapped my spark plugs) but once it is running it isles rather rough and has an almost sneezing noise when idling, on take off it almost skips and sometimes will even completely die but once it’s toward the end of its holeshot and on plain it runs smooth! What should I be checking for? Carb adjustment? Coil packs? Water in gas? Fuel pump? Thanks in advance!!

 

[w2much]

Compression in the 90's is not all that bad as long as all 4 cylinders are within that spec. Of course higher is better but it should still run for you.I also doubt your fuel pump is bad as you said once its on a plane it runs smooth. Same goes for the coil packs. A bad wire from the coils will give you those symptoms. Check them at night if you can . Run the motor under load and watch for arcing. Check you low speed idle adjustment, perhaps enrichen it see if that helps. You don't mention the year but I am guessing you have two two barrel carbs? Probably time for at least a cleaning if not a rebuild. As far as water in the gas goes switch out tanks . Use a portable with known good fuel, mix with oil depending on whether or not your VRO is still used for oil delivery or just the fuel side.Was the problem there before you changed the plugs? Or was it the reason you changed them in the first place? Check the sticky post for a link and sync procedure.

 

[StratosOwner94]

Sorry about that! Yes it has two two barrel carbs, the reason I changed the plugs originally was just because I had just gotten the boat and felt it was an easy thing to start fresh with! The low speed idle was going to be the next thing I check to make sure it’s all even, the VRO has been disconnected (just for my own piece of mind), I will check the plug wires tonight and see if I notice any arcing. Thank you for the response!

 

[flyingscott]

Compression in the 90s is bad. Re-check your compression with a different gauge.