84 Johnson 115 stalls at high speed

I've got a 1984 Johnson 115 V4 VRO engine. It had been sitting idle for several years after the normal winterization stuff.<br /><br />Recently I cleaned it up, replaced the impeller & housing and put in new thermostats. It started right up and ran quite well at all speeds for maybe 8 hours.<br /><br />Then it started stalling at at high speed. When first started it runs normally for 5 minutes or so, then just cuts out like I turned the ignition off. No sputtering or anything - just cuts out. It easily restarts, but stalls again after a few seconds at speed. At low speed it runs forever - over three hours getting back to dock at 6 knots when this first happened.<br /><br />The temperature sensors seem OK, the warning horn is working, no indication of overheating. Happens with two different portable fuel tanks. Pumping the fuel bulb doesn't seem to help. The internal fuel filter is clean. <br /><br />I'm thinking a fuel problem, maybe the fuel/VRO pump (it's the original pre-alcohol gas version), but that's pretty expensive to replace on a guess.

Re: 84 Johnson 115 stalls at high speed

Have the ignition coils ever been replaced?

Re: 84 Johnson 115 stalls at high speed

I've never replaced the coils. Could that stop the motor cold? It doesn't misfire at all, just stops like I turned the ignition off.

Re: 84 Johnson 115 stalls at high speed

After re-reading your post,you may want to look for a fuel restriction,either in the line or carbs.Also check the vent on the fuel tank to make sure it is not obstructed w/corrosion or restricted.I was thinking before the coils may be "breaking down" from age/heat but like you mentioned,it seems unlikely all would go bad at once.Check the fuel tank vent,fuel delivery system such as lines,primer bulb(reversed?),clogged fuel filter,carbs etc....