Johnson engine problem..HELP!

[deltaking]

Hello fellow boaters. I am in a bad position and am in need of some expertise. First off I have a 1989 110 Johnson V4 VRO outboard and I don't know much of anything about boat engines.

Went fishing the other day and while in WOT, my motor started to sound like it was over revving and I immediately loss speed. So, I immediately put it in neutral and turned off the ignition. But I noticed even when I turned off the ignition, the motor kept running for about 5 more couple seconds and the engine had a clacking noise before it finally stopped. There was no smoking of any sort. I went back to open the cover and didn't notice any water or anything unusual. I didn't hear any alarms as well. So, I tried to turn the engine back on but it wouldn't turn over. I can see that the starter engages the flywheel, but the flywheel seems like it is stuck and won't turn. It seems like the engine is locked up..if that makes any sense.

What do you think happened...Do you think the motor is blown? Or is my lower unit? Or is it something else...

Any help is appreciated. I would like any opinions before sending it to a mechanic.

 

[deltaking]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

UPDATE: I opened up the spark plugs and found nothing unusual there. However, when I lowered the motor down, I saw that there is water and oil running down from where you put on the propeller. Water is nothing unusual, but I've never seen oil coming out of there...I am assuming my lower unit is broken.?? But if it is my lower unit, why won't my engine crank?

Help...anyone..??

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

From your description, it does not sound like a typical failure. It is possible something happened in the lower unit. A couple of things to check if the lower unit is the culprit. The engine may have revved when something gave up in the lower. That clanking could be something (a pc of broken metal) rattling around in the lower and it may have finally lodged somewhere, locking up the lower. (and the powerhead, too.) Best thing to do would be to drop/remove the lower unit. Now you can do a couple of things: the engine should fire once the lower is removed. (don't start it, as it has no cooling water.) Also, you will be able to tell if the lower is locked by turning the drive shaft, propshaft and shift the shift lever. I'd drain the lower unit oil and look for the following: see if there is any water in the oil. See if the oil is black (overheated.) see if the gearcase is still full of grease (or if it is low on oil...) Also, check for bits of metal in the oil and on the lower drain plug magnet. If it is a problem within the lower unit, you already have it off-just take that lower to your local mechanic.

 

[deltaking]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

From your description, it does not sound like a typical failure. It is possible something happened in the lower unit. A couple of things to check if the lower unit is the culprit. The engine may have revved when something gave up in the lower. That clanking could be something (a pc of broken metal) rattling around in the lower and it may have finally lodged somewhere, locking up the lower. (and the powerhead, too.) Best thing to do would be to drop/remove the lower unit. Now you can do a couple of things: the engine should fire once the lower is removed. (don't start it, as it has no cooling water.) Also, you will be able to tell if the lower is locked by turning the drive shaft, propshaft and shift the shift lever. I'd drain the lower unit oil and look for the following: see if there is any water in the oil. See if the oil is black (overheated.) see if the gearcase is still full of grease (or if it is low on oil...) Also, check for bits of metal in the oil and on the lower drain plug magnet. If it is a problem within the lower unit, you already have it off-just take that lower to your local mechanic.

Thank you for replying. Yes, there were flakes of metal from the oil. And the oil was black/dark. I can spin the propeller as usual. So, what does that mean??


I will try to take off the lower unit ( not a mechanic).

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

The question is, can you turn the driveshaft on the lower unit? If that shaft is locked in the lower, it will lock the powerhead too.

 

[deltaking]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

The question is, can you turn the driveshaft on the lower unit? If that shaft is locked in the lower, it will lock the powerhead too.

Do you have to take the lower unit off before you can turn the driveshaft?? If so, I haven't taken the lower unit off yet....sorry for being such a nub, but I have not idea where or what is the drive shaft. I can shift the shifting lever into forward or reverse. It operates fine.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

Yes, you have to pull the lower unit off to spin the driveshaft by hand. If the lower is the problem-once it is off, the powerhead should be free to rotate by hand, or with the starter. If you pull the lower unit off and the powerhead is still locked up, then you know the problem is within the block itself. All part of diagnosing where the problem is...

 

[demon1]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

mine has stalled at speed and the clanking noise came from the prop still being pushed by the water when it was slowing down. I dont think that had anything to do with your prob

 

[deltaking]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

OK, I will try to pull the lower unit and post an update, thanks for your replies.

 

[deltaking]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

Took it to my local mechanic and the lower unit needed a whole new rebuild. Gears were all busted and broken. He said I had a broken seal and water got in it and that blew it up. Cost me a fortune to get it back, $1850.00 to be exact.

Was that a fair price? I'd appreciate any responses. I'd like to see if my mechanic was reasonable.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

Considering the normal gears, clutch dog, seal kit, and if the internal propshaft splines were also bad, you are probably looking at over $ 1100 in retail parts alone. Another $ 650 if the drive shaft was bad. Labor extra.

 

[deltaking]

Re: Johnson engine problem..HELP!

The mechanic said parts were $1300 and the rest is labor and tax. He didn't replace the shaft as it was still good. Well, its all said and done now, I'm just glad to be back on the water.

Thanks for all your replies.