2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

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tiffanym

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Aug 31, 2003
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This outboard came with our 22' pontoon. We've had problems from day one - terrible shaking/noises at low RPM's, which the dealer claimed was normal (everyone here said it wasn't). We've had problems with the SLOW system - overheat indicator/alarm and now the "no oil" alarm even though there is oil and it's continuing to use it (I premixed as soon as the alarm sounded just in case).<br /><br />We retrieved a loose screw from the top end that has been making noises since day one ... every time we raised or lowered the motor it moved around.<br /><br />There are tool marks all over this thing - either someone at the factory was incredibly sloppy or the dealer sent someone inside the motor before we purchased it.<br /><br />I'm beginning to wonder if this was a swap-out or on a demo boat (they have a test lake on-site) in a short, but previous life.<br /><br />I have some pictures of the tool marks and loose screw:<br /><br /> http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=88410429 <br /><br />The boat will be going back later this week, where we'll insist they make the recommended adjustment to the sync and link in order to make it run properly. I'll also have them diagnose/repair the SLOW system *again*. Should I also accuse them of selling me a used motor as new?
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

Howdy, S&T.<br /><br />Post the model number off of the mounting bracket.<br /><br />At least we can tell you if it is truly a 2004 model engine, made by Bombardier.<br /><br />The Bombardier made Johnson and Evinrude engines have proven to be more reliable than the best that OMC ever made. You are telling us tales that fit '99 and '00 engines made by angry and demoralized OMC employees.
 
T

tiffanym

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Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

Nice.<br /><br />The model # is: J90PLSRR<br />Serial 050374**<br />06/2003
 
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93bronco

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Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

your link wont let anyone but you sea it.<br /> <br />if im reading rite - the number ='s a 2004 90hp.<br />if the 6/2003 is on it - that could mean it was built then for the 2004 model year.<br />- <br />id like to sea the pics, cause i look for things like that when i buy something. more so now than 5yrs ago.<br />- <br />id say you have to look at your paper work to ensure that there is nothing in fine print that mite say it was a demo.<br />it could have possible been switched because of the same complaint from another boat.
 
B

Bob in Calif.

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Nov 4, 2002
Messages
653
Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

S & T.........<br /> The screw you have between your fingers is a "Torx security screw". It requires a Torx head tool, WITH a hole in the center of the bit. Check your VRO unit and I'm sure you will see that screw in use. (picture #DSC00795) After looking at picture 794, I'm sure that screw is used on your VOR and should not be floating around your engine. The VRO's are installed as a completed unit at the factory. The only logical way the screw would be rattling around in there, is if some work was done on the VRO prior to you buying the boat and motor.<br /> Your pictures sure give an indication of the engine being used on something else before it was installed on your boat.<br /> The dealer definitly owes you an explaination as to why the tool marks and other is such as it is. I do suspect it was used as a demo and occured problems and that an attempt to correct it or them was made. If the dealer denies any earlier use or mounting of the engine on another boat, I would advise the dealer you will contact the factory and have a division rep come and give you an opinion as to what you have discovered. I would also confirm the actual year of the of the engine model and serial number given, with a phone call to the factory.<br /> ...Bob in Calif...
 
9

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

id have to say take it back, im sure you paid good hard earned money for a NEW boat & motor.<br />not a reject.
 
T

tiffanym

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Aug 31, 2003
Messages
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Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

Thanks for all of the input, guys. Yes, it's going back today. We had more "issues" over the weekend - now the SLOW system is telling me there's no oil.. luckily I was able to kill the motor and pour some into the fuel to limp back to shore.<br /><br />I'll give the dealer an opportunity to replace it. If they want to call it a "warranty swap-out", that's fine. If not, I'll touch base with the finance company and let the attorneys take it from here.<br /><br />Thanks again for all of the input... I really appreciate it.<br /><br />I'll update the thread later today and let you know what kind of reaction I get.<br /><br />-Steve
 
bubbakat

bubbakat

Captain
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Oct 29, 2002
Messages
3,110
Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

I would most certainly call all this to his attn. and see what his reaction on it would be.<br />You have photos on it so you have already started making a case for yourselves and the dealer will realize this. I hate someone getting treated like this.<br /><br />oh by the way that thing in your pond looks like an asian leech I use to encounter over in vietnam.<br />nasty suckers.
 
S

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

The throttle roller adjustment uses that style of tamper-proof Torx screw. If it fell out, the throttle would open at the wrong time (too late) and you would have a very rough mid-range operation, somewhat like what you described.<br /><br />The rusted taper pin on the block is normal. It is an alignment pin that is installed when the crankcase halves are assembled, and it is mild steel and can rust just from humidity.<br /><br />The engine looks like it has either been moved up and down on the transom, or switched from another boat, since the mounting holes have the washer marks on them.<br /><br />Scratches in the side cover recesses are from a sloppy mechanic when he removed and installed the covers.<br /><br />All in all, it is probably a new motor but has sloppy workmanship from the boat manufacturer or the dealer. It sounds like the dealer is not "up to speed" on checking out new rigs or troubleshooting drivability problems or checking out the workmanship of his (or her) riggers.
 
T

tiffanym

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Aug 31, 2003
Messages
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Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

Seahorse, you got it. Sloppy dealer.<br /><br />We called Bombadier and they had no repair history on file for the motor. They also said the dealer installs the covers and they were probably "not very careful".<br /><br />We dropped the boat off for the VRO issues (and a host of nagging non-engine problems, all warranty) and on the way home went by another large Johnson dealer/service center. We asked to look at a Johnson motor already installed on a new boat and saw the exact same washer marks on the transom mount. I can only imagine these marks are from being bolted to a shipping crate.<br /><br />Interestingly, nobody offered to sell/give us "touch up paint". I wonder if Bombadier even makes it.<br /><br />I'll let you guys know what the culprit is on the "no oil" SLOW alarm.. I do see lots of people have removed the VRO system and am beginning to understand why..:)<br /><br />-Steve
 
S

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: 2004 Johnson 2 stroke - not "new" ?

Rereading your first post made me wonder if you "double oiled" the motor for the first 10 hours which is required for break-in. That means premixing the oil and gas 50:1 along with the oil in the remote tank. It is covered in your owners manual and the dealer should have done it or at least mentioned it to you.<br /><br />Yes, touch up paint is available in spray cans.
 
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