1996 Johnson 130

[mbrown0772]

I just purchased a bay boat with a 130 HP Johnson. Had it out on the bay all day Saturday and it ran great. Took it back out Sunday and it was running great and than all of a sudden it acted like I had cavitated and started slowing down. I backed out of the throttle and the engine died. I tried to restart and it acted like the battery was dead. There was a clicking noise but the starter would not spin. After about 5 minutes of checking cables and connections it started up. I turned around to head back to dock and a few minutes later died again. I called a buddy for a tow. All my warning lights work and the alarm horn buzzes when I turn the key on, I got no alarms either time. I had a pee stream from the motor. Not a heavy stream but I did have water.

Took the boat to the shop and the mechanic told me #1 piston has a hole in it. I have not seen the piston for myself but does that make sense? The motor was running great, idling smooth, great hole shot, smooth at WOT. Can this just happen out of the blue? Something does not sound right to me.

Next question, is it possible for a semi-knowledgeable engine person to replace the piston and re-build the carburetor?

 

[boobie]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

Go to the shop and check the mtr yourself. If it is blowen, with an OEM Factory Service Manual if you're handy you can probably fix it yourself.

 

[mbrown0772]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

Are there some specialized tools I will need to purchase for the job? I got all the standard tools so I will be good for that portion.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

First thing I can think of is a flywheel puller. But find out the exact problem before you get to deep into it. Let us know.

 

[mbrown0772]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

Well I got the picture and sure enough a hole in number 1 piston. Shop wants $1,900.00 to replace piston, bore and hone cylinder, re-ring other 3 pistons and clean 4 carburetors.

I have rebuilt a couple car engines over the years. Tempted to do the work myself but worried about screwing something else up and causing more damage. Are the OEM service manuals pretty good about laying everything out? I am sure I can get the piston in and out with out an issue and get everything back together. Main concern is adjusting 4 carburetors. Does the Service Manual walk through the adjustment? Something about an Outboard scares me for some reason.

 

[mbrown0772]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

Well I priced out some of the parts and if I am correct this is approximately what i would need:

1 Piston and Rings $100.00
2 Head Gaskets $50.00
4 Carburetor Kits $100.00
1 Service Manual $85.00

Does this look about right?

I will probably need a few other mics. parts and some tools.

 

[mbrown0772]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

Well I got the motor apart and the cylinder is pretty rough. Took a picture and attaching. Getting the block bored and honed and hopefully putting everything back together in a few days.




Any advice or tips about re-assembling that will help me out?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

Have you figured out why it burned a hole in the piston and seized yet, if you haven't the same thing may happen again as soon as you run it.

The situation you described is normal when a motor seizes, it gets hot, the aluminum expands, melts and sticks to the walls causing it stall. As it cools the piston contracts and it may start again, as it heats up the damaged piston fails again in the same way.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1996 Johnson 130

Make sure it is pumping water and cooling properly and that the carbs are clean.