1999 johnson engine problems

[mrmagic54]

just bought a 1984 200xf with a 1999 johnson with optical ignition and vro. had a recurring problem engine wouldnt get over 2200 rpm. over that the engine sounded like it would almost stall. had a tech remove carbs and cleaned them and added new gaskets. went for a test ride ran great. 5100 rpm 40 mph. went out yesterday same problem couldnt get over 2200 rpm. could the vro be putting to much oil in the fuel? my tech now wants to look at the ignition system. just more money i'm sure. by the way the tank was emptied and refilled with non ethanol fuel and replaced water oil filter

[Capt. Bob]

Is this an Ocean Pro (carb) or a Ficht (direct injected)?
The Ficht had a "SLOW" mode but I believe that was about 1200rpm.

Is the "check engine light" on ?

[Ken G]

Your problem may be fuel related or ignition related.  The problem is to determine which without hanging a bunch of new parts which are not needed.  Intermittent problems suck!!!  You are better off if the motor quits completely rather than act up once in awhile.

The first, and cheapest, thing I would do is eliminate the boat's fuel system.  Get a clean portable tank and new fuel line from that tank to the motor.  If the motor runs correctly you then need to check your fuel system for air leaks, restrictions, etc....    

If the motor does not run correctly on the temporary tank your problem is in the fuel pump or electrical system.  You can check the fuel pump for the volume it is pumping and the vacuum it is drawing.  These tests should be in the shop manuals.

If the fuel pump checks out you need to troubleshoot the power pack and ignition coils which will probably take a tech to do because of the specialty test equipment needed.

I do not believe the vro can pump too much oil, it may not pump enough fuel but it either pumps oil or it doesn't.  I'm fighting this issue now on an '87 Evinrude 150.  It is running a little rough at idle and smokes like a whore in church.  It will also run like a whore from church at WOT.  I don't know my WOT numbers yet because I'm swapping props chasing the right pitch.  My last trip out I burned a gallon of oil and 16 gallons of gas which is 3 times the normal ratio.  The motor runs great at WOT and the plugs are clean so besides the smoke (I've killed all the mosquitoes at the ramp) the excess oil is not causing any problems, yet.  I need to check for any restrictions in the fuel flow before I replace the fuel pump.  I've ruled out my gas tank and fuel lines up to the bulb but the rain today prevented any more tests.

[mrmagic54]

thanks for the info. this engine does have system check and slow mode. there were no alarms or lights. that doesnt seem to be the problem. i did drain the carbs into a small cap and found some tiny flakes of debris. as i said carbs were removed and thoroughly cleaned a week ago. engine fuel filter also has some debris but no rips or holes so it looks like its doing its job. no doubt the previous owner used ethanol fuel but how the debris is getting past two filters is beyond me. once again thanks to both replies. anyone out there with similar problems your input would be appreciated.

[Ken G]

Just an update on my Evinrude 150.  I poked around on it today and dried the fuel inlet lines beneath the fuel pump hoping to find a loose connection which may have been sucking air.  I ended up finding fuel flowing from the top of the VRO pump after pumping the fuel bulb.  Since that can't be a good sign I've ordered a new VRO pump which should arrive in a couple of days.  I should be back on the water Friday afternoon.

[Capt. Bob]

i did drain the carbs into a small cap and found some tiny flakes of debris. as i said carbs were removed and thoroughly cleaned a week ago. engine fuel filter also has some debris but no rips or holes so it looks like its doing its job. no doubt the previous owner used ethanol fuel but how the debris is getting past two filters is beyond me.

It seems everyone has an "ethanol story" these days. It may have picked up (or cleaned) debris missed in the first cleaning. I know it's playing hell with the tank in my CCP. I just keep changing out the 10 micron filter. They are always full of crap. I use the bottom water separator bowl as a gauge. As soon as some small particles appear in the bowl, out goes the filter. I'm on the third one this year.
Anal? I would say so.
Stranded? not yet.  

[mrmagic54]

tech was here again. carbs not the problem. laser site didnt test well. went for ride in the water turns out it was the system check. right side overheating bad thermostat. disconected it on the water ran great. brand new system check gauge i just bought and installed doesnt work . if it wasnt for bad luck i would have no luck. thanks for the respones.

[bdtsr]

The SLOW system was introduced in 1986 or 87 with the single power pack on the V6 models. The VRO when it fails on the oil side will pump MORE oil than needed. The rpm limit on the SLOW system is about 200 to 2500 rpm.

Ken G, make sure you have the updated harness on your motor. The made a few changes and updates along the way.

You can also remove the VRO system, install a standard fuel pump and pre-mix as well.