12/22 Update: I need a GOOD boat mechanic.

[Bear44]

I like a Johnson motor, had a few, but IDK about them being some of the most reliable.

Not all Johnsons. They've had couple of lemons, but this particular model has a great rep.

 

[Deleted member 39693]

Finding a good boat mechanic is about impossible
YouTube and owners manuals that I’ve bought off eBay have saved me from ever using a mechanic.
Just rebuilt couple 2 stroke outboard motors and 2 yanmar inboard diesel.

Boat forums are usually helpful also

Good luck

 

[Nuke And Juke]

Not a new boat, but was owned by a retired Coast Guard Cutter Captain and was damn near perfect when I bought it.

I have a strong suspicion that the first mechanic I took it to is somehow responsible for the issues I'm having now. He did some electrical work to the boat and I'm wondering if during that he did something fatally wrong. That feels like I'm being paranoid, but this motor ran like a sewing machine when we took it into the Gulf the day I bought it. It started right up and there wasn't even the slightest hiccup at any RMP that I ran it at and believe me, I was looking for it.

That mechanic is completely unscrupulous. I'm still waiting for a refund on work that I discovered he didn't do at all. If I have to take him to court I'm also going to go after all the stuff he did wrong and I had to have redone or redo myself. He even screwed up something as simple as mounting a couple of rod holders.

Okay OP. I understand the full scope of your problem. I'm a huge outboard fan and love them to death. I do prefer Mercury over Johnsons but you are right, your motor should be good.

I do no agree that changing the controller harness will do anything. This is strictly a computer thing. You need to tow that thing over closer to the gulf where there is a certified johnson shop. You live in middle of Georgia, not everyone will work on 2 cycle outboards.

I wouldnt do a single thing with the harness. It's money wasted.

1) Disconnect the VRO. Premix ur own fuel in case it's putting too much oil into the fuel mix
2) Someone needs to look at the spark. I think it's electronic so that can be an issue

It may be the harness but if it was, you wouldnt be the first to experience it. A shop that specializes in Johnson would know right away. That's why I say tow it closer to a shop near the gulf or beach where these engines are serviced more often than here at the lakes

 

[Bear44]

Okay OP. I understand the full scope of your problem. I'm a huge outboard fan and love them to death. I do prefer Mercury over Johnsons but you are right, your motor should be good.

I do no agree that changing the controller harness will do anything. This is strictly a computer thing. You need to tow that thing over closer to the gulf where there is a certified johnson shop. You live in middle of Georgia, not everyone will work on 2 cycle outboards.

I wouldnt do a single thing with the harness. It's money wasted.

1) Disconnect the VRO. Premix ur own fuel in case it's putting too much oil into the fuel mix
2) Someone needs to look at the spark. I think it's electronic so that can be an issue

It may be the harness but if it was, you wouldnt be the first to experience it. A shop that specializes in Johnson would know right away. That's why I say tow it closer to a shop near the gulf or beach where these engines are serviced more often than here at the lakes

Thanks. I was already thinking about expanding my search for a mechanic to the Gulf area... as a last resort. However, this guy actually has two of these same motors in the 150hp version on one of his own boats, so...

This mechanic has confirmed that the plugs are not firing properly.

 

[Nuke And Juke]

i would call Johnson and ask them who they recommend

 

[Inatree]

Let me guess, It runs decent on the trailer but like crap in the water.

 

[Bear44]

Let me guess, It runs decent on the trailer but like crap in the water.

Funny guy. LOL!

 

[Bear44]

Well apparently it's fixed. I just saw that he sent me a video of it running flat out on the lake this afternoon. I know he has not changed out the harness yet.

I guess I'll find out what's going on in the morning.

 

[Inatree]

Im serious, Im trying to see if it has a common issue. Does it run okay on the muffs but then fall on its face in the water ?

 

[Bear44]

Im serious, Im trying to see if it has a common issue. Does it run okay on the muffs but then fall on its face in the water ?

Haven't even tried running on the muff, but see my previous post. It seems to be running now.