Need some TLC on an '84 Johnson 150hp V6

poolecw

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
86
I've got an old Stratos with an '84 Johnson 150hp V6 that hasn't seen the water in about 10 years. About once per year, I'll pull her out of the shop, hook up the water hose, and let her run for a few minutes. This year, I want to get her back on the water. What do you guys recommend I should do tune up wise, with an older motor that's been sitting up this long? Any parts that should be looked at for replacement?

A couple of things I know I have to do is replace the primer bulb. Its dry rotten. I will probably replace the fuel lines while I'm at it, though they look alright. I've heard that It can't hurt to replace the impeller.

What about oil? should I replace the gear oil/lower foot oil?

Last time I ran it with the water hose hooked up, the oil alarm went off. What are your thoughts on bypassing the VRO versus just cleaning the oil system well and letting it ride.

Thanks guys. I've been out of the boating loop for a while now, since getting married and having kids. I'm looking forward to this spring and summer.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,958
Re: Need some TLC on an '84 Johnson 150hp V6

Impeller will need to be replaced.---If carburetors sat with fuel in them all this time they will need to be cleaned.-----You will get lots of comments on use of VRO.----Was the original VRO upgraded to one with the " no oil circuit " on the pump ?
 

poolecw

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
86
Re: Need some TLC on an '84 Johnson 150hp V6

Yeah, I know all about the VRO debate. I don't have an opinion one way or another. As for an upgrade, I believe everything is all factory original.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,958
Re: Need some TLC on an '84 Johnson 150hp V6

The original VRO units do not have a warning module.-----------These pumps are surprisingly simple to inspect / repair in my opinion.-----------I would not trust an original pump as it is.
 

poolecw

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 27, 2005
Messages
86
Re: Need some TLC on an '84 Johnson 150hp V6

Thanks. I hope to get it out this weekend and do a good cleaning on the oil reservoir and VRO system.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Need some TLC on an '84 Johnson 150hp V6

When you first try starting it, get some 50:1 fuel in a 6 gal tank and run it on that. If you don't trust the VRO for oiling disconnect the oil side and use it for a fuel pump only.
 
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