Lost power on top end...1989 johnson 140 looper

mieyk

Cadet
Joined
Dec 27, 2006
Messages
21
I was on the water cruising at near full throttle when the boat instantly slowed down from about 30mph to 25. If I keep it around 3000rpm it will sometimes "jump" back up and have the power again but will lose it by instantly dropping as I increase rpm...its almost like a miss but it stays as long as the rpm's are up.

compression on all four is between 115 and 120, it has spark on all four plugs, all cylinders are firing on idle, all butterfly valves are open at WOT, I use a filter/water separator.

could it be a high speed jet?
does it sound like an ignition problem?

PS: I took it out this weekend and there is no more "jumping" it just doesnt get up as fast and doesnt have as much top end. used to go 33-35 and now goes 25-27.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Lost power on top end...1989 johnson 140 looper

i think it is time for a carb cleaning and rebuild, all of them.
 

junior1113

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 29, 2009
Messages
763
Re: Lost power on top end...1989 johnson 140 looper

Check Connections On Soleniods And Plug Wires. Had That Problem With My 93 140 And It Was A Loose Wire Worth Looking Into
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Lost power on top end...1989 johnson 140 looper

You have a S.L.O.W. system which automatically reduces your RPM when there is an overheating problem. Check your cooling system.

You might want to carefully monitor your oil use, especially if you are still on the original VRO2.
 

mieyk

Cadet
Joined
Dec 27, 2006
Messages
21
Re: Lost power on top end...1989 johnson 140 looper

The vro was removed by the shop and the motor never gets hot. I guess I'm going to clean the carbs tonight.

What solenoids should I check? I only know of the choke and starter...are there more or did you mean coils?
 
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