2001 Johnson 150hp question

[bennnyjw]

Hello, I am looking to purchase a used 2001 four winns. It has a 150hp Johnson v6. I am in the process of getting more details on the engine from the marina.

The four winns literature says the OB motor options for that year are:
150 VX OB and 150 FICHT PX OB

I have been reading about issues with the FICHT, seems like I should avoid it if that's the motor?

Is the 150vx ok? Reliable, not the same issues?

Thank you!

 

[racerone]

I am pretty sure the 2001 Johnson was only offered as a carbureted model.

 

[bennnyjw]

I have seen other sites with people saying they did and others saying they did not. I am still waiting to here from the dealer on the model. But since it lists 150 v6 on the listing, and four winns lists what I said above.
I am guessing it is a J150VXSIF. But that is just a guess a right now.
I also see a lot of talk about 2001 150 ocean pro?

Before I sink some money into this boat I want to make sure I am getting a reliable motor.
Thank you

 

[racerone]

I am pretty sure that in 2001 Johnson only offered the carbureted models for a 150 HP !!

 

[bennnyjw]

The salesman responded to me that it is a carbed 150 VRO TL v6.
Feedback on this motor?

Can and should i bypass the vro?
thank you!

 

[Chris1956]

Carb versions of that motor are very good. They are a proven design, have good low end power and are very reliable. As with any carb 2 cycle motor, they burn more fuel than a 4 cycle motor or a Direct Injection 2 cycle motor.

VRO (actually OMS) bypass has it's critics and supporters. On my '98 150HP Johnny, I use the OMS system, and it has been very good. You get a fresh gas/oil mix all the time which helps the motor run very well, even at idle.

 

[kjdunne]

I bought a 2000 150 V6 OceanPro 2 1/2 years ago to replace a 1996 130 V4. In the 2 seasons I have run it, I could not be happier. I also use the OMS system with no problems, I find it very convenient. The engine has been extremely reliable with regular maintenance, no breakdowns or failures (knock on wood). It starts easily, has plenty of power, is smooth at cruise and is a perfect match for my 20' Sunbird Neptune 202 Walkaround Cuddy. 150 is the max hp rating for the boat. If your boat is rated for 150 or maybe a little more hp, it should be a good choice. Of course, the condition of that particular engine needs to be considered. I agree, the design is proven good, I see a lot of that series still in use where I boat.

 

[bennnyjw]

Thank you for the response, boat and motor appear in great condition from pictures. I will double check when I see it. Motor was chosen by four winns in 2001 as an option to buy new.
Is the ocean pro the same as what im talking about? It wont let me post a picture below. Motor is all white. three air slats on top that get smaller towards top. Silver/grayish decal around it.
Thank you
​

 

[kjdunne]

This is my 2000 model J150VXSSS, pre spring cleaning...
OceanPro may mean salt water model, a few more stainless bits... 2000 150 -1.pdf 2000 150 -2.pdf or it may be just a marketing thing meaning nothing

 

[bennnyjw]

Could be mine has some differences from that, it dosent say ocean pro, has a sleaker profile and different slats on top. I have tried to find pdfs of models for that year but have been unsuccessful. The dealer is supposed to send me the model number. Thanks!

 

[bennnyjw]

Anyone know if the VRO is something i should disconect if i buy?

 

[racerone]

That is a matter of opinion.-----You should check to see if it is in service or bypassed already.