Replacing a Johnson 112 powerhead question

[QuietRider21]

hey guys, i have a 18' bayliner w/ a '94 force 90 in running condition. i also have a '96 johnson v4 112 with a blown piston (off a boat i no longer have). I'm considering finding a rebuilt powerhead for the 112 and replacing the force. Would the Johnson 112 be a worthwhile upgrade from my force 90 in terms of reliability & performance?
Also, are there certain years and hp powerheads that will work with my motor?(ex.112hp vs 115hp vs 110hp vs years etc)
i've came accross several powerheads on ebay but am unsure which are compatiable. most of the omc v4's look very similiar but i can way off here.
appreciate any info!

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Replacing a Johnson 112 powerhead question

For a direct replacement with no "rigging" of electrical mounting you can use a 1992-1998 112/115hp bubble back motor. You can also use some of the earlier models but pack and coil mounts need to be modified. Be careful of what you buy on Ebay as you may end up in same shape...

 

[QuietRider21]

Re: Replacing a Johnson 112 powerhead question

i would hope to find pwrhead from 92-98 then but if i cant, how much modifing/$$ am i looking at? do you think the 112 would noticably out perform my 90hp force? what about reliability?
thanks!

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Replacing a Johnson 112 powerhead question

The 112 is a 115 without VRO pump and it will perform better pulling skiers/tubers and you shouldl see a 2-5 mph speedincrease depending on your engine /boat setup. As long as you decarbon regularly, run a additive like carbon guard, service the impeller every 2 years they are reliable.

 

[QuietRider21]

Re: Replacing a Johnson 112 powerhead question

ok thank you! last question..
would a v4 140hp powerhead work without excessive modification? an additional 25hp is appealing but if too much work is involved i'll stick with the pwrhead/years you mentioned.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Replacing a Johnson 112 powerhead question

If you can get the entire powerhead,carb and electrical with it will be a fairly easy swap,if not modding is not bad. Just remember that the 140 is only going to give your about 120 at prop which is same as late 112/115hp bubble back models

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Replacing a Johnson 112 powerhead question

Be careful when looking at the 120/140's from 1985 on, those powerheads are loopers and are not interchangeable with the 112 crossflow you are working with. The 1977 thru 1984 140 crossflows are pretty much a direct match, but are crank-rated hp. The 112 is prop rated. You won't find much actual hp difference between the two. The replacement powerheads which are made for the VRO pump have a hose barb in the block for the fuel pump pulse line. Your old-style premix pump won't adapt to that hose barb.