1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

[jonesb]

I have a 1990 Jonhson 225 VRO. I has seemed to have slightly less power over the last couple outings. At the last time out, it ran fine on the first run, but after that, it seemed be weak when idling, yet you could rev it in neutral. When you put it in gear now it just dies. What does this sound like?

 

[Walter]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

Hopefully there's nothing seriously wrong with your engine. I'm not familiar with that model, but I'd sure look into issues relating to fuel before anything else. As it's been stated many times in this column....so often the solution to the problem is relatively simple. Let's hope yours is too! Good luck! Walt

 

[JB]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

I think Walter put his finger on it. It has acted just like a failing fuel supply. The most likely suspect is the fuel pump, but don't overlook the possibility of clogging in the supply lines.<br /><br />Red sky at night.<br /><br />JB

 

[hondon]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

Stick with the basics at this point. Check your compresion then go thru the sync and link procedure for this engine.If this thing is out of sync it will exhibit exactly the problems you describe.

 

[clanton]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

Just like Hondon said, check compression, should be close to 100 lbs +-10.Then spark test. You need to bypass quickstart for the spark test.

 

[JB]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

We may not agree on what is basic. You guys are speaking advanced wrench to a guy that doesn't know why his engine is not performing and doesn't have, or hasn't read a manual. Synch and link. . . . Spark test. C'mon guys! You gotta speak gringo to this person.<br /><br />Red sky.<br />JB

 

[hondon]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

O.K.?This thing has six different carbs operated by four diferent throttle shafts conneccted together.If any or all of the carb butterflies are even slightly open at idle or are uneven in adjustment this will cause poor idle as well as many other syptoms.All these linkages are held together with small screws and can change over time.Sync and link ,set up ,timing sync and adjustment, whatever you want to call is the most basic thing you can use to troubleshoot any multicylinder two stroke.

 

[clanton]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

Just to do the basic you need compression tester 25.00 at Sears, Fuel pump tester with Vacumn gage 25.00 Sears, Remote starter switch<br />20.00 dif, Spark tester dif, Multimeter with<br />DAV function or multimeter with peak reading adapter as much as you want to spend see www.esitest.com or www.fluke.com . Flywheel puller 75.00.

 

[hondon]

Re: 1990 Johnson dies when put in gear

Thanks clanton. You will also need a timing light.