87 Johnson 88HP SPL has no power

jerryny

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 13, 2012
Messages
37
Ok I am back after hand surgery. Helped son put boat in river. It purrs like a kitten while idling. However as soon as you put it in gear and give it gas the motor just bogs right down like it has no power.

Between the previous owner and him the following has been done

New Power Packs and coils
New plugs and wires
Rebuilt water pump
Replaced head gaskets and cleaned out all water passages
All new gas and filters

Checked spark while running on water and all 4 cylinders looked good
Pumped fuel ball while in gear but it didn't make a difference

All that leaves that he can think of are the carbs. Can the carbs really cause this kind of problem? It revs up fine. It only seems to have no power when in gear and trying to accelerate. Why would it idle fine put have no power under load. What in the carbs could cause this difference?

Plan to rebuild carbs but was wondering if there is anything else that should be looked at.

Thanks
Jerry and eager son
 

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2012
Messages
1,793
Re: 87 Johnson 88HP SPL has no power

Dirt or varnish in the carb jets could easily cause your problem. Even misadjusted idle screws could keep it from accelerating.
 
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