150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

[mfinucan@sympatico.ca]

This one may be a new one. I have a 2000 150 Johnson Ocean Pro J150VXSSS, it started to run rough then went haywire and died. (It was actually running bad on and off for 2 years, but the mechanics found nothing). I figured it was the regulator, power pack or something?! Well I first looked at the sensor and things didn't look right. So I got a puller and started taking things apart. The sensor is damaged, there is melted plastic all around it. As it turns out one of the five main bolts on the top of the engine sheared off, probably bad from day one (hairline fracture). This bolt must have been spinning around in there for a few years due to how much it is worn down. I now have the sensor on order, and a few other small items. I only hope that the power pack or regulator were not damaged? <br /> Hopefully there was not a bad batch of bolts and this is an isolated case. Just food for thought.

 

[Seasport]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

Welcome Jellyvision. Bad luck with the shearing bolt. Did you get it out? Hopefully not too much got damaged by the rampant bolt. The power pack or regulator shouldn't be affected by any damage to the sensor. You'll need to make sure that the timing wheel isn't damaged. All of the slots need to be intact.<br /><br />When you get it all together, check that the timing sensor plate rotates freely in its track and returns to its stop under spring tension. You'll probably need to reset the timing if you've disturbed the levers. You really need an analyzer to do this properly. I can help if you want to make your own.<br /><br />Let us know if you need more assistance.

 

[mfinucan@sympatico.ca]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

I replaced the sensor and timing wheel. She fired up right away, hit the water for a test run and wound up to 5000RPM without hesitation! I am back in business and just in time for my summer vacation. I do have one question and that is: WOT just barely hits 5000RPM with the boat trimmed all the way up? I thought it should be a little higher, I believe the prop is a 19 pitch.

 

[mfinucan@sympatico.ca]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

As for the bolt. There is no sign of leakage at the moment, so I am inclined to leave the broken piece there until the fall when the boat is put away. Only then will I get the drill and easy out job under way.

 

[Seasport]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

Good news! I wonder why the bolt sheared in the first place? You are meant to replace these bolts each time they are removed. Maybe someone put back old bolts.<br /><br />I have a 14 3/4" x 19" SST stainles prop on my motor and I too get about 5000 rpm max WOT pushing a 20' fibreglass boat. Motor specs say 4500 - 5500 WOT rpm is OK. Wisdom from folks here is that 5500 rpm is better but I've had no problems. There's lots of info here on setting up your motor/prop correctly.<br /><br />Did you get more than 5000rpm previously? Have you checked your WOT timing is set correctly?<br /><br />Have fun on the water.

 

[mfinucan@sympatico.ca]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

I made a couple adjustments today and had the boat, a Four Winns Horizon 180BR, max out at 5100rpm and about 49 mph, pretty good I think. <br /><br />I use the boat mainly for tubing, island hoping in a local lake and some Wake boarding. The prop is a 14.5 x 19 aluminum. <br /><br />As for that pesky bolt, I tend to believe it was original as the motor is a 2000 and probably broke a while (years) back. <br /><br />5000rpm is what I have been getting since a purchased the boat 3 years ago.<br /><br />Kids are nursing sore muscles and slight sun burns as we speak. Another fantasic day in South Eastern Ontario, Canada!

 

[mfinucan@sympatico.ca]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

Seasport<br /><br />How's the weather? Today we were up to 29C with a humidex factor at 39C! Thank god the boat is back on the water. Thanks for your help and thoughts on this one. I am an aircraft mechanic (Airforce) by trade so these engines are pretty basic compared to the C130 Hercules, actually this is probably the smallest engine I have worked on in a while.<br /><br />Thanks once again. Take care.

 

[Seasport]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

Glad you are up and running. I can get about 45 mph out of my boat at about 5000rpm. It's a little bigger & heavier than yours so I guess that's what you'd expect. They sell Four Winns here.<br /><br />My running is mostly on the sea. I live about 200m from the water. Boating is great around here - lots of islands & beaches & great fishing. It's winter here of course so daytime temps are only around 15 - 16C. Still, I did get out wakeboarding a couple of weeks back. Water was 12C! Only for the (fool)hardy.<br /><br />Outboards must seem very simple after C130 engines!<br /><br />Cheers.

 

[icancu2]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

Glad too hear your back in the water Jellyvision Hi Seasport! Hey Guys I posted at the other forum about my motor..running today :-} I have a 22ft Hydra Sports W/A and a stainless 4 blade 20p prop I am only getting 5000 RPM at WOT @ 41 MPH guess I am the slowest one hear. I thought we were supposed to run near the top of our listed RPM but it sounds like we are their.

 

[tbeaun]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

A service manual will tell you the proper RPM at W.O.T. Propeller pitch will determine W.O.T. RPM & it is best for engine life that you run within proper RPM at W.O.T.<br /> <U>This is an exerpt from a propeller guide</u><br />"To select the optimum propeller for the use of your boat and motor combination, keep the following guidelines in mind:<br /><br />Have a selection of propellers to test with. <br />Use an accurate tachometer to measure RPM. <br />Use an accurate speedometer or some means to measure boat speed. <br />Safely test each setup at W.O.T. <br />Make sure every test is with identical settings. (i.e.: Boat load, trim angle, engine height, water conditions, etc.) <br />Power trim equipped engines should be tested at their optimum trim angle. Optimum trim angle is the highest trim position that can be run without excessive venting (slippage) either in a straight line or in turns. <br />Check your Operator's Manual and note the RPM of the engine at its rated horsepower and the recommended operating range. Your objective is to check to see that the propeller allows the engine to run near the rated RPM, but under no circumstances outside the recommended operating range.<br /><br />Make several runs in opposite directions, and determine the maximum RPM and speed. If RPM is lower than recommended, select a lower pitch propeller and make several runs recording RPM and speed.<br /><br />Testing Guidelines After testing is complete, if results show:<br />RPM is too low at W.O.T. <br />Reduce pitch and retest <br />RPM is too high at W.O.T. <br />Increase pitch and retest <br />RPM is within recommended range <br />Verify RPM <br />The correct size propeller will provide the best overall fuel economy and performance."

 

[mfinucan@sympatico.ca]

Re: 150 Johnson Ignition problems (Info)

Thanks for the info tbeaun, I knew that about the prop pitch, as I said previously I work on airplanes with a constant speed prop that increases or decreases blade angle to maintain a constant rpm, blah blah blah. I sound like an instructor I know! LOL All info is good info and yes I will probably drop to a 17 pitch so that I can pull more skiers at once. Right now if I empty the boat right out I can pull 3 adult skiers. Not bad for a 150!<br /> Off to the cottage for another day of fun in the sun.<br />Cheers to all.