'97 Johnson 130 HP - Stalls when under load (only after running OK under load 1st)

[RWill69]

Hi -

Got an odd set of circumstances here and hoping someone can shed some light.

1997 Johnson 130 HP OB

Been in to a Johnson Authorized Service Center 3 times - 2 different shops - issue still not resolved.

Boat runs fine the first time you start it up and run it.

But then if you turn off the engine (VIA the key) and then go to start it up again after 30 minutes or so, it WILL start and run fine in idle, but when you go and put it in forward, -BOOM-, engine dies.

So far, I have:

1) had the quickstart (coldpack) installed
RESULT=DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM

2) installed a stater
RESULT=DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM

3) replaced water pump
RESULT=DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM

4) replaced both thermostats
RESULT=DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM

**Spark plugs have been replaced each year

When idling, the engine runs perfectly - I mean it is running smooth as silk - you can set a champaign glass on it and it won't shutter... problem only occurs after you shut it down and go to restart after a bit...

MORE INFO - now we've been out on the lake, and so far I have not had to call in for a tow. After futzing around with starting it, revving it up to around 2000 RPM, letting it drop to around 1000 RPM and then slipping it into gear - once in gear, it runs fine. But that is not the answer. We don't venture out to far because of this, and that stinks.

If anyone can shed some light - I've already dropped more $$$ than I care to and it's still not fixed. I hope to hear from someone who's had a similar (or same) problem.

Thanks for reading!

Rick

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: '97 Johnson 130 HP - Stalls when under load (only after running OK under load 1st

I have no idea why any of the 4 things you listed would have been done.

1 quickstart (coldpack)..not sure what that is, I know that quickstart is a feature in many of the newer omc outboards that slightly advances the timing to make cold starting easier, no idea why it would be suspect of a off idle stalling issue.

2 starter...that would be a not cranking/turning over issue..nothing at all to do with off idle stall.

3 water pump, it is good to change these out every couple of years or so anyway, but unless engine was over heating it has no bearing on your issue.

4 t-stats..also good to replace every few years or so, but again no bearing on your issue unless over heating.

I have found most outboard mechanics to be extremely incompetent and full of crap. That being said there are also some real good ones out there, just maybe not near you. This is why I just figured it out myself.

1 check engine compression.
2 check spark with spark gap tester
3 check timing at idle and WOT
4 do a link and sync
5 do a thorough cleaning of carbs including idle passages and adjust idle air screws if needed.

my guess on your problem is #3, 4 or 5..but do 1, 2 and 3 anyway.

 

[hidef]

Re: '97 Johnson 130 HP - Stalls when under load (only after running OK under load 1st

What is model number of the outboard? It does helps with troubleshooting. I have few questions

1) Is the warning horn hooked up and do you have the OMC system check functioning or has it also been disconnected.
2) Is the wiring all original or has it been operated on by a previous owner?
3) How about the VRO has that been disconnected?
4) do you have the OMC service manual?

If your OMC System check is functioning it should give a warning on an overheat alarm but it won't keep the outboard from starting.

You can take a look at this link it might be the shift diode that is acting up but it is only a guess.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=473429&highlight=diode

 

[fireman57]

Re: '97 Johnson 130 HP - Stalls when under load (only after running OK under load 1st

I'm betting on number 4.

 

[carolinah20]

Re: '97 Johnson 130 HP - Stalls when under load (only after running OK under load 1st

I had a problem similar to yours. It would idle fine, when you increased the throttle quickly it would bog down or stall. You could bump it up slowly and get it to eventually accelerate. The mechanic pulled the flywheel, underneath is the stator and timer base and sensor assembly. He said there was some corrosion there keeping it from advancing, and he cleaned it up and it has run fine since.

 

[ian hendo]

Old post but I have the same issue on a 1997:115hp. Did you find a solution?

 

[saltchuckmatt]

They prefer you start your own thread and post a link to this naming it as your issue. Very unlikely you will hear from the original post from 2011.

That said, is your engine a vro?

 

[ian hendo]

Yes it's a vro. I have a separate thread asking for help with the problem. I just hoped this person had found the problem as it's very similar to mine

 

[saltchuckmatt]

My neighbor has the 140 4 cylinder vro with similar symptoms. Traced it to a failed check valve off the vro. Oil would pour into the carbs when you shut it down.

Does it smoke a lot once you get it going?