1989 Johnson 140hp V4 Thoughts

trendsetter240

trendsetter240

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I am looking at upgrading to a 1989 140HP v4 Johnson. Does anyone have any experience with these motors and thoughts about what to check for failure or what to proactively upgrade?

I have tons of experience with the 3cyl and below johnnyrudes but never had a v4 or larger apart.

Also I'm assuming this year 140hp is a looper but if anyone knows of crossflows from this year let me know.

Cheers
 
SparkieBoat

SparkieBoat

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Re: 1989 Johnson 140hp V4 Thoughts

they are great motors, the OMC 150 and 175 are about the same weight though. so if you are looking for max HP to weight ratio a 150 or 175 would be a better choice. but those 140s were powerful and bullet proof motors. check compression and do a test run if possible. have the gear case pressure tested and check for water intrusion. general appearance and look for corrosion.
 
A

archcycle

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Re: 1989 Johnson 140hp V4 Thoughts

I have a '90 140 and it is bulletproof. I've been through a few rough spots with it, though mainly due to previous owner and shady dealer frankensteining, but no matter what it's always fired up and moved.. even on the rare occasion that I've needed to pull start it. Everything is easy to reach so it's easy to work on. New parts are relatively cheap and very available. These days it idles smooth and quiet and runs strong. I'd buy another one.
 
B

boobie

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Re: 1989 Johnson 140hp V4 Thoughts

They were good old mtrs but a little on the heavy side. Is the boat you may put this mtr on rated for that hp ??
 
trendsetter240

trendsetter240

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Re: 1989 Johnson 140hp V4 Thoughts

Thanks for the replies guys, I checked out the motor. It's in good shape for it's age, runs well even after sitting for a year but will need some maintenance. Compression is a little low at 105,104,105,100 but at least it's even.

Boobie, yeah the motor comes on a boat that is rated for it. I'm pretty happy with the motor but I'm not sure the boat is for me. I may just keep looking an repower and upgrade my boat.
 
SparkieBoat

SparkieBoat

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Re: 1989 Johnson 140hp V4 Thoughts

if the boat is rated for a 150, I would not put a 140 on it, I would get a 150.
 
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