Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

[johnsonjunk88]

I would appreciate any help and patience with ongoing problem until my shop manual comes in Friday. As on other posts engine is not getting any fuel, replaced VRO Pump with new four wire pump. Engine is getting plenty of fuel and oil. But now as soon as I turn the key on, alarm is going off even without the engine running just key on. Constant alarm overheat or no oil. Both is okay. Pumping plenty of oil and engine is running at temperature, but the alarm will not go off. Back to the same issue, engine is still surging from idle or when running full thortle. Engine will cut right out after reduced power back to an idle, engine shakes voilently, where it shakes the steering wheel right out of your hand. This problem has no pattern to it. Sometimes it will do it when engine is cold or when hot, idling, half thortle WOT. I was told this may be a problem coming from the power the pack and or the voltage regulator. Any truth or fact to this? I looked at both pieces and noticed the voltage regulator through the sealed rubber, you can see some of the electrical connections, and it looks to be rust starting on the sauder connections. Is there any way to check these parts with a volt meter? And is there any truth that these two parts can cause this problem?

Thanks a million trying to go fishing this weekend.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

Engine running, measure the voltage across the battery terminals. If it's higher than with engine off, then the charging system is working. If it tops out at 14.5 volts or so at high RPM's, the voltage regulator is working. But it sounds like the regulator is going to have to be replaced pretty soon anyway.

How long you had this motor? Been like this since you got it, or is this a new problem?

What maintenance has been done to it recently (besides the new pump?)

Are you using fresh 87 octane gasoline?

Does the fuel line hold pressure? When the engine dies is the line still pressurized?

Is the tank vented?

Are you using champion QL77JC4 spark plugs gapped at .030?

Describe the condition of the spark plugs after the engine's been idling, especially any differences between 'em...wet, dry, carbon-fouled, color of the insulator, etc.

1st, compression test.
2nd, spark test - set the gap on your tester to 7/16" and look for a good strong blue spark.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

Your first step should be to remove the TAN wire from the horn. If the alarm continues, the horn is faulty. You will need to get a new one. If removing the TAN wire from the horn causes the alarm to stop, there is a faulty sensor component which will need to be determined. The likely candidates are the heat sensors, VRO, vaccuum switch and oil tank. If your alarm quits when you remove the TAN wire form one of these components, it is your problem and will need to be replaced.

 

[johnsonjunk88]

Re: Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

thanks for your response I will try it tommorow .TO answer your other questions I have had this 140 johnson engine and 19 ft alumacraft for 6 years with no problems until aug. of 2007 season .It began when i got fuel at the docks thought it a fuel problem only put about 15 gal to top off 41 gal tank put in seafoam 2 qts to try to resolve problem. seem to help but not cure . After dewinterizing this year put in 30 gal. new fuel problem is worse there is no pattern to this idle surging or running WOT enginge will cut out have to reduce power back to idle or neutral engine will continue to surge it may clear up or I have to shut down and restart It doesnt matter cold or hot meaning the engine.Also checked key switch and main wire harnes to engine for loose or bad connections all OK.
To answer our other mantenice questions
weter pump and thermostats begining 2006 season decarb -johnson engine tuner alsol lower unit oil chahge middle of season and when winterized arutine plug changes thoughout the season seafoam at major fuel ups.2007 SEASON dewinterized plugs l77jc4 at .0.40 THE 2008season vro pump old one not pumping fuel.lower unit oil decarb plugs l77jc4 @ o.40 EVERY SEASON I owned all of above besides stats water pump and vro pump was done before during and after seasons DO you think fuel restriction problem ? THIS ONE GOT ME ! OH BOY ITS FISIN SEASON !

 

[johnsonjunk88]

Re: Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

Sorry Forgot To Say Compression Is 135 Lbs On All 4 Cyls

 

[johnsonjunk88]

Re: Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

SORRY ONCE AGAIN I must have typing the alarm problem it will stop if I remove the ground from VRO tank .

 

[jtexas]

Re: Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

Champion "Q" series plugs are "radio interference suppressor" plugs - if yours don't have the "Q", then the capacitive discharge ignition is liable to interfere with plug operation. Can't explain why it worked fine before, though. Manual says .030 but lot of folks use .040 especially if they troll a lot - don't expect that would be a problem.

Adding 2 quarts Seafoam and 15 gallons of good fuel to 25 gallons of bad just leaves you with 40 and a half gallons of bad gas.

Did you drain the tank before adding the 30 gallons this year?

Did you by any chance add ethanol-blended fuel to MTBE or non-oxygenated gasoline?

I'd make sure the tank was clean and the gas free of water and debris.

I'd also do the spark test, just to rule out an ignition problem.

Spark plug appearance might give us a clue as to whether all cylinders are equally affected. Also a cylinder drop test: engine idling, pull then replace the plug wires, one at a time. If RPM's don't drop noticeably, that cylinder's not making power. Avoid electro-shock therapy by using a spark plug boot tool or plastic or insulated tool, or just ask your mother-in-law to help out.

 

[johnsonjunk88]

Re: Still having problems with 1987 140 hp

Thanks jtexas &hightrim for the help. I think I found the problem! BROKEN amphenol connector coming from under flywheel to power pack brown wire black stripe RAN GREAT in the tank try it on the lake later Ill let you guys know just how GREAT later