Need some input on 50 HP Johnson problem.

Itsallalie

Cadet
Joined
Jun 19, 2022
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8
Need some help figuring this out please. 1987 50 hp Johnson. Idles/runs fine until you reach the point where the boat should be coming on plane. After that it struggles to increase rpms. Does this about 90% of the time. Some times it will lag as described and then come up in rpms and run as it should. Engine has good spark and new plugs. Compression in both cylinders is around 160. New power pack. VRO system removed and new fuel pump and filter installed. Carbs and choke solenoid just rebuilt. All new fuel lines. Have 2 tanks and problem persists with either tank used. Non ethanol always used. Boat ran fine after above work was done for about 10 hours and then this started. Thinking about pulling the carbs again and looking them over but would appreciate any input on what else it might be. Thanks
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
36,312
Run with timing light hooked up 1 cylinder at a time and observe spark.
 

Itsallalie

Cadet
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Jun 19, 2022
Messages
8
Pulled flywheel and the key is fine. Not sure what I'm looking for with a timing light per your post?
 

jimmbo

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May 24, 2004
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12,967
To see if the Ignition System is not malfunctioning when the problem occurs
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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Sounds like it might be running on 1 cylinder at times.----Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" or better on a test device.----Sparkplugs are NOT used during this maximum output test.
 

juno pierrat

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Dec 14, 2013
Messages
355
i'm that guy that says" that happened to me", and i read its a new pump, anyway, turned out to be diaphragm in fuel pump leaked back into crank case. remove pump with lines still attached, pump primer bulb, if fuel come out small in back of pump, diaphragm bad, ( fuel will probably leak between halves of pump because not clamped tight like when in place), the only reason i checked was because local shop said maybe getting to much fuel.
 

Itsallalie

Cadet
Joined
Jun 19, 2022
Messages
8
i'm that guy that says" that happened to me", and i read its a new pump, anyway, turned out to be diaphragm in fuel pump leaked back into crank case. remove pump with lines still attached, pump primer bulb, if fuel come out small in back of pump, diaphragm bad, ( fuel will probably leak between halves of pump because not clamped tight like when in place), the only reason i checked was because local shop said maybe getting to much fuel.
Pulled pump off but see no leakage past diaphgram so the mystery continues.
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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36,312
Part # of the pump that was installed ?----Was it mounted over the pulse port on side of top cylinder ?----Replaced plug leads ?-----Water pump impeller replaced ?----Compression values today ?
 

juno pierrat

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 14, 2013
Messages
355
is the armature plate under flywheel moving freely? may need cleaning and lube. if removing flywheel again , is there any dark goo under electrical items? and compression numbers are basic needed info
 

oldboat1

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
9,607
sounds like it's a spark problem at higher rpm, or an overly rich fuel/air mix. Run 50:1 for the oil ratio.
 

Itsallalie

Cadet
Joined
Jun 19, 2022
Messages
8
Part # of the pump that was installed ?----Was it mounted over the pulse port on side of top cylinder ?----Replaced plug leads ?-----Water pump impeller replaced ?----Compression values today ?
omc PART # 0438556 Mounted on pulse port. Plug leads not replaced. Water pump 2 years old. 160#

 
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