01 Johnson 90hp Oceanpro running problem?

[MK Brown]

I have very little experience with outboard motors and this was the first outing to the lake with this boat, so here is the problem. the motor is a 2001 90 Hp Johnson Oceanpro. I ran the engine with the water muffs on it at idle and it ran fine. Once at the lake i put the boat in the water I tried to start but it kept dying. When it started to smell flooded I opened the throttle and it started and ran good at 1500rpm for about 2 minutes then when i lower the rpm to put the boat in reverse it died. I tried to restart it but it kept dying immediately then the battery got weak so I was done. Like i said I have little experience with outboards but I am a heavy equipment mechanic so I understand the basics of how it should work. If anyone can help and maybe tell me what i am missing or point me in a direction I would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 01 Johnson 90hp Oceanpro running problem?

Welcome to iboats. Thats what you get for putting a salt water engine in fresh water. HA! running on muffs is like running without a muffler, there is no backpressure on the exhaust, the idle has to be set higher on muffs, around 850 +-, so the when it's in the water, and there is back pressure it should idle, in gear at around 650-750. when you shift, it is a fast, deliberate shift, from neutral to forward, and neutral to reverse. non of this lets listen to the gears mesh. the gears in the lower unit are very square toothed. slow shifting wear these edges, and will cause problems later on. when running on muffs, never leave the engine, dogs, kids, gravity, vibration have knocked the muffs off and ruined many engines. watch the throttle linkage, there is a stop screw that can be adjusted to raise the idle, so it doesn't stall. a good battery is a must as these have to turn +- 300 rpms to start. i have a 1988 90 and use a Trojan 1150 CCA starting battery, i like to have the extra umph.

 

[MK Brown]

Re: 01 Johnson 90hp Oceanpro running problem?

Thanks I will have to check the idle rpm's once i get it running again. I have been checking things on the engine and with the engine not running when i squeeze the primer bulb the two lower carbs are leaking fuel. Should these be rebuilt or adjusted?

 

[Kevin W]

Re: 01 Johnson 90hp Oceanpro running problem?

sounds like it could be dirty carbs.(stuck floats or dirty float valve)
rebuild and cleaning is most likely needed.
carbs can leak a little if you squeeze the bulb real hard but normal squeeze should not overflow the carb.
it may also overflow when running if the floats are having issues.