'87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

[dmack04]

Hello,<br /><br />My motor wouldn't start after sitting thru the winter. After some routine tests, I finally took it to a shop. Initially, I was told that the carbs needs some hoses replaced and some rebuild required. This was to be about $500. When they tok it apart, I was told that these brass ports were cracked. I think these are outake from the carb? These ports do not come out, so the shop is telling me I'm looking at over $1000 now for two new carbs with labor. I'm thinking these were probably cracked for a while, and I'm wondering what the down side is of leaving these the way they are. This boat is worth about $1800 or so running, so I don't know if spending the money is worth it.<br /><br />Can someone explain this crack and affect on performance or life of the engine?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Dave

 

[Goodoleboy]

Re: '87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

I cant figure what kind of brass part thats in thes carbs. that cant be replaced.<br /><br />Nor how on earth you crack brass. I wouldnt give 1000 for a carb. if they gold plated it first.<br /><br />If it were me I would get a couple rebuild kits and clean real good and clear all passages with compressed air. I think rebuild kits can be had for bout 50 bucks or so.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[dmack04]

Re: '87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

Goodoleboy,<br /><br />Unfortunately, I don't know much about carbs, so my description may be bad. They have very small venting type holes in the tube that protrudes on the part of the tube that is outside the carb. I'm considering the same thing you suggested, because I don't know if this is really causing a problem. It could down the line, but I'm not ure I'll hand on to this boat. I'd let the buyer know about this issue, but a running boat is easier to sell than one that doesn't.<br /><br />I really don't know what the original cause of the boat not start was. They mentioned the primer wasn't workinng, so this is my guess.<br /><br />/Dave

 

[jy118lfd]

Re: '87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

They are called the emulsion tubes, they allow the fuel to enter the carb at high speed. They do crack and cannot be replaced without changing the main body. You should be able to find carbs on e-bay as I have seen many. A last resort is to soldier the tubes but be careful not to plug the holes

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

Are you talking about the emulsion tubes (verticle in the carb throat) or the vent tubes (horizontal, sticking out the front of the carb)?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: '87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

No Way can you put $1000.00 into a $1800.00 boat,no matter what is cracked.<br /><br />A second opinion is always a good idea.<br /><br />Maybe some of this can be 'ignored' ,but a reputable shop cannot take 'short cuts' as they have a liability.<br /><br />DHP

 

[dmack04]

Re: '87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

Thanks to all for your response. This sounds exactly like what I looked at. I certainly understand the issue of integrity for the shop. I saw the cracks. I was told that the carbs are about $350 or so a piece, plus the labor, so I'm figuring on $1000. One of my questions is, what adverse affect would this have on performance? I think there would be concern that additional cracking and eventual break off of an pieces goes into the carb. What else could happen?<br /><br />/Dave

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: '87 Johnson 90 cracked ports in 2 carbs

I would look around for some used carbs.... I would not put 1000 but if I could find some used parts... you can probably buy 2 used at the price of one new... I think it would be worth it... depends on how much you like the motor.....and if theres other issues going on besides that one.