Johnson 150 problems

[GunnerO]

I've got a 1989 Johnson 150 Fast Strike that I'm having problems with. It'll start right up but when I put it in gear it acts like it's running in mud. No power whatsoever. It seems to run fine when it's in neutral and will run strong in gear when the prop's not in the water. But as soon as I trim it down it sounds like it's ready to die and has no power. This was an "all of a sudden" type problem - didn't come on gradually. Anybody have any ideas?

 

[fireman57]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

Sounds like you may need to clean your carbs good. You might want to see if your idle has changed. Maybe your linkage vibrated and changed.

 

[dehydrated]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

check the compression on the motor?

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

follow the steps in my sig below

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

The 1989 V6 engines were the last of the crossflow type. I believe the Faststrike engines were the newer 60 degree looper engines which came out in 1991. Which do you have? Post the model number for clarification.

 

[GunnerO]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

The model number is J150GLERA. I'll clean out the carbs as advised but I don't understand how this would help. Again, it runs strong in neutral and in gear as long as the prop is out of the water. Wouldn't a carb problem cause it to run bad under all circumstances? Same with the a compression problem?

One thing I didn't mention - I replaced the regulator on the motor a while back. Initially the gasket didn't seal properly and I had water spraying out. I replaced the gasket and had it out several times since with no problems. Not sure if that could have anything to do with my problem, but thought I'd bring it up just in case anyone thinks it possibly could.

 

[cfauvel]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

if the motor has been running well for a while then all of the sudden runs like it is in mud, my gut would tell me that the stator is the culprit, not giving you enough juice on load.

Look for melted goo under your flywheel...to know for sure you'll need the DVA adapter to test the voltages coming from both stator and timer base...an in order to do that you'll need some test leads to jump the 4 to 5 pins within each amphenol rubber connectors. The tools are not too expensive and worht every penny.

I hope it is carbs for your sake

 

[emoney]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

When the prop's in the water, there's back pressure that doesn't exist when on muffs, etc. That's why they're bringing up both compression and carbs. It's always best to start at the top, on the basics and the things you can check for free, i.e.; compression/spark/fuel system. That's all it takes for it to run correctly. You'll normally get the "test the compression 1st" suggestion, because we've all seen tons of guys spend loads of money on parts to eventually find out there was compression issues the whole time which could mean complete tear down and rebuild. The more you eliminate causes, the better you chance of getting to the issue at hand.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

do the steps in post #4

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson 150 problems

Your engine is a 1994 model year. Small bore 60 degree looper.