Hi,
I,ve had a 1996 Johnson Fast Strike 175HP motor since it was new on a 189FS Javilin boat without too many problems. Last year I rebuilt the carbs myself and had the oil injection system disconnected at the recommendation of a good boat mechanic so now we mix the oil. Three years ago I replaced the lower unit because it scattered. I've had to replace one or both power trim relays a couple of times and keep one on board as a spare. Other than that, just tune-ups. I have two issues I would like to ask about:
#1 In the last couple of years it has developped a slight external water leak (drip) in several places around the head on both sides of the engine. Early on it would seal up after it warmed up but not any more. I've read many of the posts here about year models and hopefully mine is after the earlier 90's that seem to have problems with internal water leaks and cracked blocks. My question is: can I remove the heads and replace the gaskets without pulling the powerhead or getting into the engine? (I've rebuilt a dozen or so car and truck engines over the years)
#2 Last year (the last time out) the motor would start and idle fine but would die when you put it in gear. I took it out today and it ran great except it had a surge at 4,000-5,000 RPM at times, but cleared up after running. I'm wondering if the SLOW system would do that or possibly water from the leak got on the power pack. There has been one or more times when it did not start at all. It seems that the power pack is a common problem. I went by the tests last year on the stator and other ignition parts as recommended by the manual (I cant remember all of them right now). Is it time to replace the power pack?
Thanks
I,ve had a 1996 Johnson Fast Strike 175HP motor since it was new on a 189FS Javilin boat without too many problems. Last year I rebuilt the carbs myself and had the oil injection system disconnected at the recommendation of a good boat mechanic so now we mix the oil. Three years ago I replaced the lower unit because it scattered. I've had to replace one or both power trim relays a couple of times and keep one on board as a spare. Other than that, just tune-ups. I have two issues I would like to ask about:
#1 In the last couple of years it has developped a slight external water leak (drip) in several places around the head on both sides of the engine. Early on it would seal up after it warmed up but not any more. I've read many of the posts here about year models and hopefully mine is after the earlier 90's that seem to have problems with internal water leaks and cracked blocks. My question is: can I remove the heads and replace the gaskets without pulling the powerhead or getting into the engine? (I've rebuilt a dozen or so car and truck engines over the years)
#2 Last year (the last time out) the motor would start and idle fine but would die when you put it in gear. I took it out today and it ran great except it had a surge at 4,000-5,000 RPM at times, but cleared up after running. I'm wondering if the SLOW system would do that or possibly water from the leak got on the power pack. There has been one or more times when it did not start at all. It seems that the power pack is a common problem. I went by the tests last year on the stator and other ignition parts as recommended by the manual (I cant remember all of them right now). Is it time to replace the power pack?
Thanks