Please note this thread has been inactive for 90 days. For the best results, please start a new thread.
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1

    Default 1990 Johnson 25hp surging

    Hello All,
    My first post here... I'm trying to help my elderly neighbor with her boat.
    Unfortunately never worked on a Johnson before.

    The engine will start and idle fine. If throttle is increased past 1500 rpm (a guess - no tach) the engine will increase speed then cutout then increase speed and cutout repeatedly. It will do this in gear or in nuetral.

    It's difficult to describe in words. It sounds like the rpm limiter in newer cars when you push the pedal to the floor in Park.

    Any Ideas??

  2. #2
    Senior Tech Advisor tashasdaddy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Jacksonville, Florida
    Posts
    51,017

    Default Re: 1990 Johnson 25hp surging

    my first impression is it is flooding itself out. second is fuel delivery problem. both being carb problems. 1 st being the float is sticking and not closing all the way, the second being the high speed jet is partially clogged. it is in deep down inside the front drain plug, and requires a special screwdriver to take it out. 3rd is the the fuel pump is failing. 4 th link n sinc.

    http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s...g?t=1177353186
    FLORIDA GATORS
    TEBOW Country



    Please, NO PM's (Private Messages) regarding boat/engine problems. they will not be answered.
    That is what these forums are for. Post your questions, in the appropriate Forum.

  3. #3

    Default Re: 1990 Johnson 25hp surging

    Thanks for the reply - sorry about the double post, not sure how that happened.

    I forgot to mention I did pull out the high speed jet and cleaned it. (they should put an access hole in the motor housing to get at that jet w/o having to remove the carb) Also pumping the primer bulb does nothing, nor does engaging the electric primer. I also pulled the hose from the primer to make sure it's not dumping fuel.

    I did not check the float needle and seat. I'll pull the carb back off and check that out.

  4. #4
    Petty Officer 1st Class
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    332

    Default Re: 1990 Johnson 25hp surging

    Sounds more like it is starving not flooding. As stated it could be fuel pump or dirt in carb. Pull pump and clean first (easiest).

  5. #5
    Lieutenant Commander
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Fl.Keys
    Posts
    1,819

    Default Re: 1990 Johnson 25hp surging

    the carb has some small passages that can get gunked up that wont get cleand without disassembly

  6. #6

    Default Re: 1990 Johnson 25hp surging

    Thanks for the input everyone!
    I rebuilt both the fuel pump and carb. I've rebuilt many carbs and never saw one as clean as this one, hardly a speck of dirt even on the outside of the carb. I blew every orifice out with compressed air. I checked the fuel pump flow and it's very good. But....

    The surging is still there exactly as before.

    I'm starting to think ignition problems.... Have not even looked at the plugs because it runs so good up to about 1500 rpm's with no engine misfire at all.
    It's not getting hot mostly because I never run it more than a minute, but also has a good stream coming out the pee hole.

    Any other ideas would sure be welcome...

Similar Threads

  1. 1990 25hp Stuttering Johnson tiller
    By redfury in forum Johnson & Evinrude Outboards
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: April 29th, 2007, 08:39 PM
  2. changing a 1990 25hp johnson into a 35hp
    By jungleplant in forum Johnson & Evinrude Outboards
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: September 7th, 2006, 11:36 AM
  3. 1990 25HP Johnson cuts off violently
    By bapowell in forum Johnson & Evinrude Outboards
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: June 30th, 2005, 12:55 PM
  4. oil gas mixture 1990 25hp johnson outboard
    By mudhog in forum Non-Repair Outboard Discussions
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: September 13th, 2003, 04:26 AM
  1. iboats Forum Directory - Over 100,000 forum posts organized by topic