1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

[shaps]

I have a 1996 Johnson 225 outboard Ocean Runner Model # J225TXEDE with Champion QL78YC plugs installed. Recently when the engine is cold it is taking a couple of tries to start and looks like it is burning a lot of oil when I start it because of all of the smoke. The initial 3 or 4 times starting it blows smoke and coughs then stalls after it is fine. I thought it may have been the plugs but after changing them I had the same results. The old plugs did have oil on them. Any suggestion on what can be causing this?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Shaps

 

[hammer250v8]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

do a compression test. all cylinders should be within 10% of each other...james

 

[shaps]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

A compression test was done recently and everything was fine. Wouldn't I have a problem even after the engine warmed up?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Are you raising the throttle or letting Quick Start set the rpm? The plugs you are using are OK. What fuel are you using? What oil and ratio?<br /><br />You didnt mention your start up proceedure but heres what works for us;<br />1- Pump the bulb to pressure the fuel delivery system<br />2- Turn the key to "on" - do not engage the starter<br />3- Push the key in to prime the motor and count to 8<br />4- Engage the starter<br /><br />You may have to tap the primer a couple of times but it should stay running.<br /><br />If you engage the starter and then try to push the key in you may or may not be injecting fuel through the primer.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[shaps]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Just replaced the plugs<br />I am not sure what the oil mixture is because the VRO pump mixes it.<br /><br />I am actually starting it the same way you recommended. It starts but after about 6 seconds it coughs and stalls. If the oil mixture causes this can it be the VRO pump? With all the smoke at start up can it be getting to much oil?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Even if Quick Start is working you may have to "tap" the primer a couple of times until it warms up. Once it runs long enough to get the reeds and runners wet it should be OK as you described. <br /><br />You could install smaller idle air jets to richen it up but that will change the running of it when its warm too. <br /><br />What octane fuel?

 

[shaps]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Im not sure of the octance I gas up at the marina and would imagine 84. I don't think I will touch the idle air jet because it runs fine after it warms up. Would all of this account for the smoke as well?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Rich

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Several things could account for the excess smoke but brand of oil has a lot to do with it. Also if there is a fuel restriction the pump will "sense" that and add extra oil. If your warning horn is operational and you aren't getting a warning horn then its probably not a restriction.<br /><br />Oh - and lets hope the fuel is 87 octane (Im sure it is)<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[shaps]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

I don't believe there is any fuel restriction because it is running great other than a cold start up. You make an interesting point about the oil. What do you recommend? I just buy the refillable bottles. Would the cheap oil blow smoke all the time or just when I start it?<br /><br />Thanks for all of your help.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Some motors just do not like off brand oil and let you know about it. Avoid that headache and buy name brand TCW3 oil. I buy by the gallon and usually use 1/2 with 25 gal of fuel or all of it with 50 gal. Of course I use premix as I don't trust the older VROs. My motors are 1987s.

 

[shaps]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

I spoke to someone at Johnson and they felt it could be the diaphragm in the VRO. What do you think?

 

[ob]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

shaps ,Your (not new)VRO pump has a reputation for developing a weap from the oil to the fuel half ,when not running(sitting out of use.)The seal between the fuel and oil chambers wears out.In some cases the housing develops a fracture.This will result in the oil rich startup you are describing.This can be remedied by replacing,attempting to rebuild,or defeating the VRO.Most dealer mechanics where I live don't mess with the rebuild and simply replace the unit.Unless your engine is starved for fuel at speed ,the air motor diaphragm is good.Good luck.

 

[shaps]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

I would like to thank everyone for all of there help and will try everyone’s suggestions. <br /><br />I would also like to add I have never been to a site that has been this helpful and responsive and it is greatly appreciated. I can’t thanks everyone one enough.<br /><br />Thank you very much,<br /><br />Shaps

 

[gw204]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Shaps,<br /><br />Check out this post on www.thehulltruth.com:<br /><br /> http://thehulltruth.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=382602711&f=436600231&m=3766062782 <br /><br />If that link doesn't work, do a search for "VOR pump problem" (don't correct the VOR to VRO either)<br /><br />You will need to register first though. It's free and the site is excellent.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Brian

 

[shaps]

Re: 1996 Johnson 225 blows smoke and coughs then stalls during initail start

Thanks I will take a look