2000 Horizon 170. 90 HP Johnson J90VLSSS

[RARELY1]

Just bought this rig a few days ago. Taking it out on Sunday for a shakedown. I'm reading a lot about VRO problems on this forum. Wondering if I should carry extra premixed fuel at 50:1...? Boat was serviced at the marina, but I was not available for the test drive, so I'll be "green" on my maiden voyage. Any tips for me...? Looks like quite a few old salts on this forum and I've only had small (15 HP) outboards before that were premix...

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: 2000 Horizon 170. 90 HP Johnson J90VLSSS

I'll go out on a limb and say that you can probably trust the motor and the VRO.

The boat should have a "system check" gauge that will indicate when your oil tank is low and will also sound an alarm if it can't sense oil in the motor.

If you are going for a long trip carry extra fuel and an extra gallon of oil. Visually check your oil tank level regularly and you should be ok.

 

[RARELY1]

Re: 2000 Horizon 170. 90 HP Johnson J90VLSSS

Thanks for the tips Rotary, I'll bring extra oil for my shakedown...

Rarely1

 

[npd4432]

Re: 2000 Horizon 170. 90 HP Johnson J90VLSSS

I have the exact boat and motor setup. It has never been a problem. I have used the oil injection which is an OMS pump, not a VRO your pump will be 50:1 all the time it wil not vary. Make sure you have the correct plugs in (champion QL78YC gapped at .030) and I would change the water pump and thermostats for good measure. Good luck, you will not be disapointed.

 

[RARELY1]

Re: 2000 Horizon 170. 90 HP Johnson J90VLSSS

Had a great shakedown cruise. Purrs like a kitten. I noticed the engine temp spiked to 160 degrees once, then dropped down & stayed at 120. Does this motor have one thermostat or two...?

RARELY1

 

[npd4432]

Re: 2000 Horizon 170. 90 HP Johnson J90VLSSS

The motor has two thermostats on the top of each head. My engine did spike at times until I replaced the thermostats and the impeller and housing, now it stays where it should. Also the stock gauges on my boat sometimes stick and you need to tap them a little to get them to jump where they should. I took an infered laser thermometer and checked the top of each head before and after my t-stat and impeller change to make sure the gauge on the dash was correct, or close. I am also pretty sure the stock temp. gauge only reads off of the port side head, you will see a wire attached to the sending unit on the port side, but both heads have a temp sensor for the system check which will sound an alarm on the boat and it will go into S.L.O.W. mode if the motor is running too hot.

 

[RARELY1]

Re: 2000 Horizon 170. 90 HP Johnson J90VLSSS

Excellent...I'm taking her back out this weekend and I'll pay particular attention to the temp. guage. It just caught the corner of my eye on my first trip, I was paying more attention to the channel buoys in the river. Thanks for taking the time to help me out...

RARELY1