HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

[dustyrector]

I am relatively new to boating, and I just bought a used boat, a 17.5' 1992 Cajun Fish-N-Ski with a 115 V4 Johnson Outboard. Everything seems to be in good working order, but I think the boat really hasn't been run on a regular basis for quite some time. When we took the boat out for the first time, we noticed that the "take-off" power was really lacking, even without towing anyone. Let alone trying to tow a skier (no way). The boat would barely pull my kids up on a tube. However, once the boat finally picks up a little speed and planes out, it really takes off and seems to run great. I don't think the boat has had much maintenance, and I was wondering if maybe changing the plugs might do it. We tried adjusting the tilt/trim with no effect. I know very little about boat motors, but I am pretty good at figuring things out. Any Johnson motor experts out there that may have some suggestions, advice?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[wavskipper]

Re: HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

Could be prop related. There are props that are built for "hole shot" power and some on the other end of the spectrum built for top speed. Plugs definetly would not hurt as well as making sure you have a clean fuel tank. May want to check the plug wires for cracks as well.

 

[Terry H]

Re: HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

Me thinks you needs to find out what the rpms are at wot (wide open throttle). You may only have to change to a lesser pitched prop. Give us a tach reading at full throttle and we can better help you...just a Thought

 

[dustyrector]

Re: HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

Thanks for your help. I can tell you this. I am definitely not getting the rpms until the boat planes out. As a matter of fact, the boat seems to "bog down" on initial acceleration. Then once it planes out, the sky seems to be the limit, and so does the speed. What do you think?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

I think it would be easier to help if you could tell us what the top RPM's are. I don't have a "the skys the limit" on my tach so I don't know what that is.<br /><br />?

 

[chewy]

Re: HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

Does the hole shot change with weight in the front of the boat?

 

[BKool68]

Re: HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

Sounds like the carbs might be gummed up. Try pushing the key in and also squeezing the primer bulb while accelerating to see if power improves. if either helps it is starving for fuel.

 

[dustyrector]

Re: HELP! 1992 Johnson 115 Low Power on Start up.

Thanks everybody. Obviously, I'm going to have to get some more information about the rpms. I will have to get those next time we go out. I want to say around 6,000, but honestly, I didn't pay that much attention. I will change plugs and check the wires before then. Also, when weight is shifted to the front the performance on intial acceleration is better, but still really sluggish.<br /><br />Thanks, and I 'll come back with more information.