Broken 1985 Johnson 200 GT

[SwedeJr]

I am in search of a guru for my 200 GT. I just bought the boat knowing the engine would need some love. I’m needing to probably overhaul the thing or replace it with same same. Thx!

 

[dwco5051]

Need a little more information. Does it start and run at all? What are the readings for compression in all 6 cylinders? What's the spark distance on a tester?
Once we know that that are a lot of good people on here that can help.

 

[SwedeJr]

Need a little more information. Does it start and run at all? What are the readings for compression in all 6 cylinders? What's the spark distance on a tester?
Once we know that that are a lot of good people on here that can help.

I purchased the boat knowing it had a bad engine. It doesn't run at all. There are two pistons bad and a small hole in the side of the block. A local shop said I might overhaul the thing and repair the newly placed vent hole in the casting. So no compression tests or spark distance checked. I knew I could find good advice here. Thank you for responding so quickly.

 

[SwedeJr]

Need a little more information. Does it start and run at all? What are the readings for compression in all 6 cylinders? What's the spark distance on a tester?
Once we know that that are a lot of good people on here that can help.

There are two pistons bad and a small hole in the side of the block. A local shop said I might overhaul the thing and repair the newly placed vent hole in the casting.

 

[racerone]

Your location ?-----Step #1 is to take it apart to evaluate what you need.--------Block / crankshaft / rods / pistons / cylinder heads.-----A lot of E-bay shopping in your future.

 

[Faztbullet]

Slap a short block on it and find out what caused the preignition damage .

 

[tphoyt]

That’s some great advice.
Unless of course your up for the challenge have a somewhat local machine shop available to you and have the time to tear it down and start over. Maybe that’s what your into.
Best of luck what ever you decide.

 

[SwedeJr]

I’m not afraid of a tear down and rebuild in-house as I have a couple of knowledgeable friends that would help me. That being said, I’m interested in doing it right but not spending more than need be. Trusting someone else’s rebuild vs taking the time to do it locally is a trust thing as much as a money thing. I’m not in the biggest hurry since it’s coming into cold weather here in Kansas and the boat (Ranger 390 V) itself is in need of some other work, interior etc. I agree it’s time to disassemble and inspect. Move forward from there is solid advice. I have three very different types of boats currently in different states of readiness. All of these will be used next season in a charity effort to get disadvantaged and disabled kids out onto the water. Kids that never imagined they would ever go to the lake or be on the water. That’s what I’m working towards. Thank you everyone for responding so quickly.

 

[racerone]

I think there may be major damage on the crankshaft.-----Broken rod ?-----Bad crank journal ?------Piece of a piston skirt broken off ?

 

[SwedeJr]

I think there may be major damage on the crankshaft.-----Broken rod ?-----Bad crank journal ?------Piece of a piston skirt broken off ?

The previous owner did say he thought it may be part of a piston skirt but without a tear down I’d say it’s impossible to be completely accurate. There is a small hole in the casing as well so whatever happened, it was under some serious force and velocity.

 

[tphoyt]

Your goals are impressive and it’s a shame there are not more people that think like you in the world. Good things will happen to good people.
All the Best on your project.

 

[Faztbullet]

I myself would not rebuild it. It is the small bore non-ported 2.7L that idled chitty due to the teacup intake. Find a 88 and up 3.0L and do the vent mod to bottom bearing. The 93 and up finger ported block is the most desirable as good low end torque and HP. If you do go with later depending on year you may have to change driveshaft due to length as crank nose is different

 

[SwedeJr]

I myself would not rebuild it. It is the small bore non-ported 2.7L that idled chitty due to the teacup intake. Find a 88 and up 3.0L and do the vent mod to bottom bearing. The 93 and up finger ported block is the most desirable as good low end torque and HP. If you do go with later depending on year you may have to change driveshaft due to length as crank nose is different

Thank you for the information on this motor. In my search I’ll be certain to remember this advice.

 

[SwedeJr]

I myself would not rebuild it. It is the small bore non-ported 2.7L that idled chitty due to the teacup intake. Find a 88 and up 3.0L and do the vent mod to bottom bearing. The 93 and up finger ported block is the most desirable as good low end torque and HP. If you do go with later depending on year you may have to change driveshaft due to length as crank nose is different

It looks like this unit will have to go the replacement route of the power head. If anyone has a line on where to purchase preferably a serviceable (used) or rebuilt unit, please drop a comment here. Replacing with a different brand is not something I want to get into but if a deal is to be had and everything is there to make the conversion, then by all means it will be considered.

 

[racerone]

Any pictures of what you found ?------You might be able to find a used / rebuilt powerhead on line.

 

[SwedeJr]

I haven’t taken it apart other than the photos listed earlier in the thread. On advice from a couple local marina shops and like advice I have received on this thread, it is my decision to move in the direct of a later model replacement power head. A 3.0L 93 or newer is my target. I haven’t found anything listed online. If you have a possible source please share here and I‘ll start my early Christmas shopping.

 

[racerone]

----Crowley marine----Has rebuilt powerheads.

 

[SwedeJr]

Ok great, thanks! I’ll update what I find. Think of anymore possibilities send them this way. Thanks again!

 

[racerone]

Looks like some rebuilders are not offering those anymore.------Use google and you might find some at about $3000 or more.----Had a fellow from the -----" rock " ----stop by and was looking for a pair of 90 HP used /rebuilt outboards.------Not sure if he is going to come back with a deposit.
---

 

[SwedeJr]

Crowley doesn‘t have anything and I’m not seeing anything out there so far. This may be a situation where I buy another boat complete to get the motor.