2002 150hp Johnson

[Mr. Osprey]

Hey evryone,

I couldn't figure out what the heck to do with my electrical stuff for the motor so I dropped it off at Monahan's so they can mess with it. I can't believe all the electrical stuff I had to do to the boat :x . Oh well   .

Now to get to the motor. What do you guys think? Good or bad. It is a 2002 150hp Johnson. It is a basic V-6 looper carb gas hog.  Starts right up for me everytime. Has anyone had issues with this motor that I should know about?

[scott_gunn]

I have a 97 150 Johnson.  It's running great.

[ddd222]

good reputation, not the best on gas but you should get alot of time out of it. The one thing to watch out for that i'm aware of is the oil injection, called vro on my old and replaced looper, hopefully redesigned on a motor so new. The vro was prone to mixing way too rich, or way too lean, in my case i disconnected it and mixed myself, pain in the ass while sweating at the fuel dock w/ impatient bikini's waiting. Not an issue now w/ my new yamaha

[Mr. Osprey]

Hey guys its been a while since ive posted. I looked back at this topic and left in a bad note on my motor.

I have to say now that its one of the best motors ive ever owned. Pushes my mako 19 at about 40-41 respectively, i can cruise 1/4 the throttle, takes a little to start her but once it gets up and goes it wont go back down. It aint the best on gas but I think it does decent. Using the boat for a full weekend going all day on the water I use about 24 gallons outta a 30 gal. tank. Its just a basic, 2-stroke 150hp Johnson which isnt the most environmental friendly and economic outboard around, but in my opinion is one of the most reliable around.

[JimCt]

Gas milage isn't the strong point of any 2 stroke but if they're taken care of they'll live a long life.  Glad everything worked out.  41 mph is ripping!

[GoneFission]

You really have to put fuel consumption in perspective when considering replacing a good-running motor with a new one.  OK - the 4 stoke and DI (direct injection) motors get 40% better fuel economy than an old carb model.  But let's say you are running 8 gal/hr on your 150 now.  You will reduce that by a max of 3 gal/hr with the latest techology - and maybe not that much - as at full load or wide open throttle, injection and carbs run about the same.  

But let's give the 4 strokes and DIs all the credit and go for a max of 3 gallons per hour.  If you consider you are paying $6000-$9000 for the new motor (or an almost new used one), it will take over 2000 hours to pay back the fuel savings - that's a LOT of use!  Most motors never make 2000 hours.

Unless you are on the water every day, or plan heavy commercial use, it makes good monetary sense to hang on to the old motor - as long as it is dead-reliable.  

Also consider these items - a carb motor will not quit due to electronic injection problems in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere.  Also, the V-6 Mercurys use an ignition system that is basically two 3 cylinder systems (switchboxes or ignition units) working together with six coils.  You can lose one system and the motor will still run.  You can lose a coil and still run at about 70% power.  The probability of a carb V-6 going DOA without warning is very low - just make sure it gets oil and gas!  

My $0.02 - and I'm keeping my trusty Merc 200 Black Max gas hog until it gives me reason to change!

[Mr. Osprey]

Yea the Johnson is a strong and durable motor and absolutlely hauls ass.  :twisted: It goes about 40 -41 mph but i think its capable. In regards to the 19' Mako, does any one else experience a bow heavy ride. When I am going about WOT, I feel as if the bow is diving back into the water, even with the motor trimmed back and everything. I kno this is Aquasport owners mostly but anyone have any input?