Johnson 115 Powerhead Replacement

[Mike Lammert]

Hello everyone, thanks in advance for your views. I have a 1993 johnson 115 (v115tlats) that a previous owner has installed a 90 hp (flatback) powerhead and carbs onto. I am contemplating purchasing a remanufactured powerhead from OBR in Mobile AL. Has anyone on this forum ever dealt with this outfit? I have acquired a pair of 115 hp carbs, and intend to buy the correct 115 bubbleback powerhead to make this engine back to OEM specs. They offer a 1 year warranty on the powerhead, and I feel that if it runs good, and problem free for a year, then I should be good to go for a while. I have little issue with the unbolting/bolting up procedures, and I have a OMC shop manual, however my queastions are as follows-

1-How do I get the initial timing set correct without any special tools? Everything I read says it must be timed at WOT, however break in procedures say not to take to WOT until after hour 3, then for short intervals.

2-I have read a few places that say after replacing powerhead to replace carb jets with ones .002 larger. What is the purpose of this? Is this necessary? If the original engine ran fine on the factory size why wont the new one?

3- Again, has anyone ever dealt with OBR or thier products? I haven't read much bad about them, and I know people make much more effort to complain than to compliment, so the negative to positive ratios can't always be trusted.


4-Am I crazy to do this? I have already had the lower completely taken apart, cleaned and inspected, new seals through out. I have also replaced all electrical components, and fully repainted this motor. The powerhead is the only old/unreliable part left, and I can do this for about $2300 which is just about what it would cost for a used comparable motor, which is anyone's guess as to what shape it would be in internally, and could just be someone else's junk.

 

[johnson89]

that warranty is mostly likely only covered if a shop does the work(not the owner).. I was going to go that route ,but just rebuilt it myself///

 

[Mike Lammert]

Probably right about warranty. I have no desire to rebuild this powerhead, as it has an extreme amount of rust on all of the bolts and fasteners. When attempting to remove the cylinder heads, on the port side 4 out of 10 bolts broke off in the block, and had to be drilled and heli coiled, and the water passage bolts are just breaking off at the head of the bolt. Plus at the end I still have the wrong 90hp powerhead on this motor. I would just like to start with a freshly cleaned and machined block and heads.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Our dealership has purchased many outboard powerheads and stern drive assemblies from OBR over the years. OMC, Merc. Nearly all have performed flawlessly. If there was a problem, they stand behind their products. We continue to use them as a preferred supplier. Agree with Johnson 89-check with OBR on the warranty. Not sure just who they would consider "capable enough" to install the powerhead and then extend warranty-(only to authorized shops or private individuals?) Keep in mind that any powerhead we install would include a new OMS fuel/oil pump, a complete carb(s) rebuild, new thermostats and a new water pump on the gearcase which is a required added expense. Also, high rpm test tank WOT timing adjustment. Ask about their return core charge. Some of these older crossflows may not require that a useable core be returned for credit.

 

[wayneo99]

My experience with OBR is this, take it for what its worth.

my old friend who is a OMC certifed tech ordered a new power head from OBR 2 yrs ago in feb. he did all the assembly and setup per OBR and installed all new card kits fuel pump t stats and water pump and what ever else he recomeded.

ran good for the first year and half a season, the statred iding like crap. long story short broken rings in number 1 and 3 cylinder.

FYI never overheated, always run on new external tank with new fuel every week. prop was correct for RPM range, timing was retarded per OMC bulletin etc....


now I have a pile of junk again....their warranty is only good for 1 year.

looking back I would not have put the cash into it. I know they have a good reputation to be reliable motors but my mechanic said this is the problems that plagued those old crossflows.

do your research and good luck.

 

[Faztbullet]

iBoats sells the OBR powerhead (think its vender #2) so ask them how warranty works. I also use them and never had a problem....