Opinions requested on '94 Johnson 115hp

I am new to this forum but it has provided me a great deal of information so far. Just two weeks ago I bought my first boat, a '94 Four Winns 170 Freedom with a 115hp Johnson. The boat is pristine, the motor was supposedly rebuilt. New powerhead, starter, water pump but the owner (who did the work himself) could never get it to run properly. I was told that it just needed a flywheel...yeah right. The boat is at a repair shop, I have been told that 3 cylinders have decent compression while the fourth is low. The head gasket was replaced. The original owner told me that the motor had grenaded which is why he rebuilt it. The shop is cautioning me regarding having them do a lot of work to it as it needs the carbs rebuilt, powerhead gone through etc..that this motor as it sits is likely a money pit.

My dilemma is should I replace this engine with another used rebuilt one or have this powerhead rebuilt, installed and set up correctly? I have found a '98 90hp Johnson, a '96 150hp Johnson ( I know about the over power insurance issues) and a custom powerhead builder that would build, install and warranty his powerhead for one year. Since the price on all these are within a few hundred of each other is there a real advantage in steering one way or another? The boat will be used on a small inland Wisconsin lake. Mostly for tubing, pulling a skier or just cruising. Also should I replace the VRO pump and update it or discontinue using it and run premixed fuel? Your expertise is really appreciated.

Re: Opinions requested on '94 Johnson 115hp

Well, you're talking about some very good motors here. Which one is going to be the best at the lowest price is a shot in the dark at best. My advice would be to go with the "powerhead builder". what you'll get will be done right and you aren't going to get a better warranty than that! If this mechanic is reasonably close to your lake, it's icing on the cake. Don't be afraid of a VRO system, they are very reliable as long as you pay attention to it like you do to the other components of your boat and motor.

Re: Opinions requested on '94 Johnson 115hp

Thanks Chief, I appreciate your insight!

Re: Opinions requested on '94 Johnson 115hp

You are starting to compare apples to oranges. The 94 engine is an older-generation crossflow type. The other two engines are loopers. The 150 is carbed, the 90 hp engine in 1998 could be either a carb engine or a direct inject Ficht. While the newer looper carbed versions have had an excellent reliability history, the Fichts have not. Suggest you do some more investigating as to just what model type the engines are and if one is the Ficht type. It's always good to deal locally with a rebuilder and esp one which provides a warranty. A year warranty is pretty good on a rebuild.