83 Johnson 115

[Pokestar]

So. I have been restoring an 83 115 Johnson Outboard motor (#J115TLCTE), and I have been met with problem after problem with the fuel system. To give a little maintenance back story, I have rebuilt the Carbs with the correct rebuild kits, I have changed all of the fuel hoses, and I have replaced the old fuel and gas tank due to it being corroded. The issue I was having was that the boat would not start while the motor was in the water. If I was to raise the motor, then it would start. While going through these forums, I realized that my idle adjustment was off. So after I corrected that problem, I was able to get the boat to Idle and start in the water. Now, my issue is that when the boat is running and I put the motor in forward, the motor jumps but then It takes off. I'm not sure what to do to correct this issue. My next problem is that when I try to go at a faster speed, (a little past plane speed) the motor slows down and dies. I was thinking it was the high speed orifices. I have a Type III carburetors (upper 0392600, lower 0392601). The orifices for these carburetors is NON existent
or I cant find a company that makes them nor have them in stock. if there are anyone who can point me in the right direction for troubleshooting or help I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[racerone]

It is not always a carburetor issue.-----Post your compression numbers on this crossflow motor.----Many have suffered from broken piston rings.-----Correct----You can not find these orifice plugs.-----But they are listed as available on several websites !!

 

[Pokestar]

TL was 99 TR was 100 BL was 100 BR was 100. I have googled these orifices and didn’t find a website that had them available for a 115.

 

[racerone]

edited

 

[Bosunsmate]

Try priming the fuel ball manually, you may have a failing fuel pump

 

[racerone]

I doubt that it is a " carburetor " problem..-------What other trouble shooting has been done ?

 

[jimmbo]

What did you 'adjust' to get the idle speed issue fixed?

Does it have spark that can jump a 3/8" gap at all Plug Wires?

 

[Pokestar]

jimmbo I looked and noticed that the roller cam alignment was off. The center of the roller was not aligned with the start mark. Bosunsmate I replaced the fuel pump. I initially prime the bulb before I start the boat and after that I usually don't. I will look into that next time I take it out to see if that will change the issue. For the spark plugs, I will check the gap again when I get home, and update on the status of that. racerone I have went down the troubleshooting chart in the manual, starting with rebuilding the carbs with the correct kits, to idle adjustment, to timing and sync. I'm not 100% sure what else could be causing it besides a fuel or spark issue. I will address the spark plugs later, but I just recently changed them. I just don't remember what gap I set them at off the top of my head.

 

[Pokestar]

Below is a link of a short video of the issue I am having. Pardon the sound. but you can see when I go to increase speed, the boat dies and I would have to decrease the throttle to keep it running.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZrdrTuuNU8g9VNVU9

 

[racerone]

Some will argue.-----What are the real facts on your motor ?-----What are the compression values ?-----Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" ( 1cm ) or more on a spark testing device.-----The terms ----" good spark " and " good compression " mean very little to me.

 

[Pokestar]

I can understand that. But I am just looking for some possible ways to correct my issue. And I appreciate the comments. Whether they work or not, I am grateful. With this, I now have some points to look at. That's troubleshooting 101. But I will check those plugs when I get home. Compression is good.

 

[racerone]

Good luck with your project.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Yes that boats definitely bogging, at least its still moving to get you back to dock.
Checking spark plug gap means putting a sparkinline tester and making sure it jumps a 7/16 gap. You can rig up your own by putting two nails 7/16 apart and making sure the spark jumps that gap.
Make sure you keep the rest of the sparkplugs grounded or connected while you do this because a ht spark wire with no way to discharge its voltage can damage your electrical components.
I think your link and sync may of come to disarray, you will want to check your timing base is moving- ie rotating as you push down the throttle