1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

[Bruce.Turkeyho]

looking at a boat with 1999 johnson 90 hp. She thinks it's a 4 stroke, going to see it monday.Any thoughts on reliability? I've read that some of this year may have substandard parts that were used but don't know what models or hp's. said it runs good and last year wasn't starting well mechanic said not firing all cylinders, fixed it and its fine now, I plan on checking compression and spark and water test. Any knowledgeable insight would be very appreciated. will have model/ser number tomorrow after she calls me with them. can re-post more then. Where all 4 strokes made by suzuki until 2006 including this one? Thanks, Bruce

 

[JB]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

4 cylinder? Probably. 4 stroke? Not very likely. I think she has a 1999 Johnny V4 90.

I don't think Johnson started selling anything bigger than 70HP from Suzuki until after dissolution and purchase by BRP. 1999 was a bad year for OMC. A lot of outboards left the factory sabotaged by very angry workers. I would expect that after 13 years any of those kind of troubles have been fixed.

 

[Bruce.Turkeyho]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

Appreciate the reply..will know more details after she gets the info off the mounting plate tomorrow.the picture only shows what looks like a bluish or dark grey color cowling, cant see more then that in the small picture she sent..are the 2 strokes of that year a VRO. have read that those VRo's are better then the earlier generations but there seems to be a lot of discussions about sluggishness or hesitations etc.

 

[louiefl]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

1998 was the last year for the 90 degree cross flow with optional VRO, so likely this is a 60 degree looper engine from 1995-2001 your options for oil injection were VRO or FICHT. Pretty sure you have a 2-stroke. Early FICHT models were troublesome and an be expensive to fix, but never owned one. Good luck!

Double check the year, my engine is a 1995 but the boat is a 1996. Also, some VRO owners ripped out the tank and went with mixing oil instead, so check to see if that is the case.

 

[Bruce.Turkeyho]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

Thanx for the advise..drove out there and it was beaten hard...boat was not at all like advertised..figured if that was the condition of boat engine wasn't looked after either..thanks for the advise will put it in my notes, i really appreaiate the knowledge shared..going back to looking for another rig to pull the kids and toys.Cheers Bruce

 

[Bruce.Turkeyho]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

PS...since I'm looking was the earlier 90 degree x-flow a better engine then the 60 degree looper ..any thoughts or expeeriance

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

The looper is a bit more powerful then the cross flow and I have heard a tiny bit better on fuel. Both are excellent motors. I would tend to avoid the early FICHT models which had a few problems but the regular carbed models are great......easy to work on too.

 

[Bruce.Turkeyho]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

thanks a bunch, good to know while im looking...

 

[JEBar]

Re: 1999 johnson 90hp 4 stroke reliability ?

I would tend to avoid the early FICHT models which had a few problems but the regular carbed models are great......easy to work on too.

what years were the FITCH models produced that you are talking about

Jim