Johnson 88 V-4 SPL

[mjrkrash]

Should be the last post for a while. I have a 1886 v-4 88 SPL. Been doing a lot of work on it getting it ready for this season of fishing and island hoping.

After replacing the head and water jacket gaskets I took it to the water for a test idle. Ran good for a few minutes then started to bog down. Looked at the plugs and noticed the the starboard side plugs were white. (a lean running white) After some troubleshooting via the forums here and the service manual I took the head off and noticed that cylinder 1 piston an a 4mm wide by 2mm wide piece missing from the the edge. Cylinder walls look ok but the missing piece goes almost to the rings.

I have another power head that looks to be in good shape and four pistons to use if necessary. My question to you all is would you go through the time and trouble of replacing the piston yourself or send it in to the shop. Please keep in mind that I am not a mechanic, just good at mechanical things and I have some tools, and that the nearest outboard shop is 792 miles via barge back to Anchorage.

I'm half tempted to try it myself - looking for your thoughts.

Thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson 88 V-4 SPL

Consider some diagnostics before you plunge ahead with your decision. You need to know why the original powerhead failed before you try another powerhead. If it was overheating or if the highspeed jets were clogged (causing a lean-firing situation,) you will have the same problem when you bolt the new powerhead onto the same old components.