2000 explorer 225T refurb

[johndl58]

Been a member for a while and posted a few times asking advice a while back and figured it was time to add an update to my situation. It's been a long few years chasing demon after demon on this boat and hoping to be nearing the end.
Got her from a guy I work with for a VERY RIDICULOUS price. Couldn't say no. She had been severely neglected and abused. Broken steering, severely overheated, heavily oxidized, butchered wiring, you name it.
Started on motor, 2000 225 ocean runner, and actually got it running as is. Figured I'd throw a little money at it to see if it was worth saving. New water pump, t stats, and covers. New head gaskets, and had to hone heads down because of warpage, and cleaned up block as best as possible. Motor started, ran, pumped water and didn't overheat on muffs. Headed in right direction. Next started on wiring, pumps, and overall fitness. Spaghetti city. New saltwater pump, new freshwater pump, fix splices, etc.
Next was outside. Full wetsand outside, and topside. By far the most painstaking activity. But I got rid of the chalking and brought the shine back. Burned through a couple spots on topside but it is 21 years old.
Just recently was able to leave it in water and try and get motor running better. Chased some water in the gas issues, all resolved, and now dealing with a rough idle issue. Set all carbs to open and close at same time, checked timing at full throttle, performed de carb procedure, and put in new fuel lines and water separator. Was originally getting only 4500 RPMs at full throttle with a 17" stainless prop. Tried smaller prop with same results. Took all coils off and cleaned off mating surfaces, reinstalled, and now getting 5000 RPMs. Still not where it should be. Thinking it might be because the compression is definitely not factory. Top 2 cyls are 100+, 2 middles are 85ish, bottom 2 are 90s. Those readings were before the de carb. Definitely gonna check it again.
Working on pics.

[johndl58]

Also had to recore the forward deck/pulpit area due to rotted wood from faulty deck penetrations from the windlass. Dropped a bunch of before and after pics in my gallery.

[jdupree]

Boat looks really nice!  That is a pretty blue!

I don't think your compression is far off on that motor.  90 to 100 psi is fine on that engine.  Even the one at 85 is fine.  You are still within the 10 to 15 % per cylinder.  I had a 225 Johnson Ocean pro on my 245 Explorer.  When I bought my boat, my 225 Johnson had compression 90 to 100 and it had plenty of power and low hours.  It was a great motor but towards the end felt like it was lacking power.  Turned out to be a weak stator.  I know these motors were bad for power packs and stators.  I am not saying that is your problem, but a good place to check.

Maybe I missed it, but did you remove the carbs and put new kits in them? 

[johndl58]

I did not do the rebuilds on the carbs yet. I wouldn't be surprised if something is a little gummed up or leaking air somewhere. I do have the ever popular black goo present underneath the stator, could definitely be a part of the problem. Just trying to eliminate stuff in order of cost haha.

[johndl58]

Emailed back and forth with Ken from propgods about the rpm/speed situation and if there was anything he could suggest to rectify it. He seemed to think that even with the compression being off a bit, the motor should have no problem spinning a 15 over 5000rpms. So, my next order of business will be testing the power pack and stator to make sure I'm getting proper voltage.

[jdupree]

Those carbs would be my first order of business.  I would re-build them and make sure all passages are clear and clean.  Bad carbs will lean out a cylinder in a minute.

[johndl58]

I think you're right. Before it goes back in the water for the next round of tests I'm gonna do the rebuilds. Also gonna test power pack and stator.

[johndl58]

Slight update. Tested a few things on power pack and it checked out. Checked all idle circuit screws and they were all set at 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 turns out. I reset all of them to factory 5 turns out and she idles 100% better, right around 1000 with motor in a 55 gal drum in neutral. Also, disconnected quick start feature and set timing with the joe reeves method. Next stop is back in the water for some run time.