Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

[scottcab]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

I also see some electrical tape on that one boot,

Hey Sparkie, Thanks for the response.
The electrical tape is new I put it on as a temporary solution to a scrapped up boot. The latch I believe was scrapping the spark plug as you suggested. I taped the boot and moved it up and made sure nothing is going to get hit by the latch again. I will be purchasing a new spark plug cable as soon as I can get to the store.
Thanks
scott

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

I do hope those plug leads are 'solid core' and not some fancy stuff. if resistance in the leads, a big risk spark may jump off the coils to the ground and not go through the leads to the plugs. Nothing but solid core leads on those engines and ignition systems.

 

[scottcab]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

The wire weren't solid core. They were spiral core wires. I replaced them with solid core today. But I ran into another problem.

Update: Okay all, I need some input. I pulled the powerhead and replaced the base gasket. The old one was shot as expected.

Unfortunately, When I got the head off, the flat portion of the head nearest to the back, between the head bolts and the end of the head seems pretty beat up. Instead of being a flat metal surface, the metal seems angled up and has several dings in it. Thinking wishfully, I installed a new base gasket after putting on a layer of OMC Gasket Sealant. I allowed the head to sit for about 4 hours by the time I reinstalled it and took a break. I then fired her up and felt instantly nauseous. Not only does my exhaust leak seem to have gotten worse in the back from around the base gasket, but now water is leaking from the same area as the exhaust. The head seemed to fit nice and tight. Also, I started the motor in a large bucket of water. (clear water) That is until the motor fired up. I am not sure where it came from (maybe built up in the exhaust passageways). But, The bucket of water became instantly black. As if I dumped a quart of oil into it.

Should this have me concerned? I am hoping that the black death is a result of the motor running rich and `misfiring for a while prior to correcting several problems today (proper sparkplug wires, coil connectors and boots, and base gasket,along with correcting a problem with the latch scrapping the spark plug boot)

My questions: The black cloud, Is it something to be concerned with? If so, what is it and how do I correct it.

The head problem: Even with a new base gasket, the exhaust and water are leaking from the back of the head below the exhaust housing. What can be done here? Someone had suggested to me to pull the head back off and use marinetex to build up the head and then somehow file or sand it back to flat so the gasket will seal. Does anyone have a good idea or how does the above idea sound and has anyone had luck with this plan?

Thanks
Scott

 

[dazk14]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

It's late here, so I'll keep it short. Since I received email notification I've obviously replied earlier, but don't have time to circle back at the moment.

1st - let's call a Powerhead a powerhead or PH if the term runs on. A "Head" is reserved for a cylinder head or if you got lucky.

Yes, imperfections at the base of a block can be marine-tex'd. Make it spotless clean and scuffed a bit, then flatten with your choice of tools (it depends where it's located).

Generally speaking, skip the OMC gasket sealer. The base gaskets come in sealed plastic and are already dressed. Re-torque after initial startup and cool down if you suspect a problem. Then again after 20 hrs.

Although the blue wires from sierra are intended as a direct replacement for BRP wires, they do have internal resistance of ~200ohms. Haven't seen a problem with them, but we won't install them.

The Black Death. Ya, that looks pretty scary in a VERY short time...but our test tanks get like that after time and MUCH quicker with poorly running engines or excessive oil ratio's, sometimes a lower unit...
All easily checked and not doomsday in in of itself.
That's a start.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

maybe you installed the base gasket upside down??? not sure if there is a difference. but I think I read where someone else did that and had water leaking from that connection. everything sounds ok other than that. I was a little confused as to the head and powerhead wording also, there is a big difference.

 

[scottcab]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

I apologize to everyone for the confussion. Please strike my laziness, anywhere you see head replace with powerhead.

Also sparkie, i look at it several times and couldnt make a differance between up or down. Both sides looked the same. With the exception of lettering on one side.

After reading someone elses response, i went back and retorque the powerhead bolts and nuts again after running it. I was able to get up to a whole turn on some.
After running it on the hose (not test bucket) I didnt notice the leak. I am hoping this isnt a result of the lack of back pressure.

 

[scottcab]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

I have another problem that needs counsel. After i lifted the powerhead and replaced the base gasket, now my primer bulb isn't getting hard. I can feel fuel movin thru it but it never firms up. When i pulled the powerhead i left the carbs attached and never tipped the powethead. When the motor is runnin, if i squeeze the primer, the motor revs up. Is it possible that a carb float magically decided to get stuck at the same time as the rest of the work? None of the fittings are leaking that i can see. Where could my problem be?
Thanks all
Scott

 

[wired247]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

I have another problem that needs counsel. After i lifted the powerhead and replaced the base gasket, now my primer bulb isn't getting hard. I can feel fuel movin thru it but it never firms up. When i pulled the powerhead i left the carbs attached and never tipped the powethead. When the motor is runnin, if i squeeze the primer, the motor revs up. Is it possible that a carb float magically decided to get stuck at the same time as the rest of the work? None of the fittings are leaking that i can see. Where could my problem be?
Thanks all
Scott

Is the primer solenoid bypass lever off or on?

 

[scottcab]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

I figured out the primer bulb fuel problem. Rookie mistake; After reinstalling the powerhead, I switched the two outputs on the fuel pump. After thinking about it for a while, I switched them and now all is well. The new base gasket is still leaking just a little bit. I can see in just one spot tiny little bubbles coming out occasionally and a single small puff of exhaust smoke. It only leaks when in the test tank with the back pressure and it doesn't seem to increase when throttle is added. Is a very small leak probable to give me issues.
Also, would yall recommend trying to use some permatex high temp rtv silicone to attempt to seal the leak? What are the changes that will work. I would really like to not have to pull the powerhead back off.
Thanks
Scott

 

[89retta]

Re: Outboard mounting height 1985 Johnson 115 v4

scottcab just want to say thanks for posting this. The video was great. I recently installed the same engine on 16.5 Vanguard. Took it out and seen alot of spray off the back. Read this and watched your video. Raised my motor yesterday and no more spray also gained 6 mph on the gps. Thanks again