Johnson V4 140 loses power intermittently

swishstar

Recruit
Joined
Jun 21, 2009
Messages
1
I have a 1989 Johnson V4 140 which runs fantastically well - but only when it wants to! It will suddenly lose all rpms and not go above 3000 rpm. I have changed all the fuel lines, added a fuel filter, added a new fuel tank, changed all plugs and leads and cleaned out the carbs! Still it will not run well under load. It almost seems to cough and splutter and then fade away. Does anyone know what I can do as it is driving me crazy!
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,174
Re: Johnson V4 140 loses power intermittently

" and cleaned out the carbs"

uhh...what does that mean?

did you rebuild with new carb kits? run wire thru the jets?

when rpms drop have you tried pumping the bulb or hitting the choke?

Tried putting a timing light on the plug wires when it drops rpms?
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,385
Re: Johnson V4 140 loses power intermittently

Quick and easy is pumping the fuel bulb when it misbehaves. If it comes back to life then it is either an air leak in the fuel system or a fuel pump going bad.
Welcome to iboats
 
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