motor not running right 1989 johnson gt 200 please help me gurus getting $$$$$

[javelin 389]

i have a 1989 johnson gt 200 model #j200cleb it will not run right it coughs at idle and dosent have good top end it runs 5100 rpm with a 25 pitch renegade prop on a 19 foot javelin compression on all cylinders is 115# just changed voltage regulator stator timer base and coils and wires along with plugs and new reeds also changed flywheel all new parts at marina tech there checked it on dyno at 5100 rpms said it was fine but its not it has the vro removed and a holly red line pump installed with holley regulator at the carbs with a presure of 3 1/2 pounds wile running the boat does not idle well it coughs and has a hard time getting on plane only runs 54 mph on gps with me 200# and partner 200# and tournament gear this is way to slow the boat ran in the 70s when first put it together this spring now i dont know what to do any help would be appriciated the timming has also been set at 18 degrees thanks in advance guys

[ChampioNman]

You might have a few bad recirc valves on the front half of the crank case. Sure did a lot of parts replacement.

[javelin90]

Hi there, i have a 90 johnson 150 gt. I had similar issues, rough idling, no power t oget on plane and cuts off when throttling up. Here is what was done and it fixed it like new in my opinion. Here is what was done

Sync N link
replaced gaskets between carb and head as they were swollen (blocked fuel passage) and older than 10 years b/c they had not been used for over 10 yrs.

replaced spark plugs, replaced cam roller,
replaced Recirc valves, the screens were clogged
replaced timing arm joints and installed service valve for engine tuner and also storage foam for winter months

He showed me all the old parts and the screens on the Recirc valves were black and clogged full of carbon.

Now the motor idles smooth and also strong on throttling up now. Hope it works out for you and keep us posted.

[javelin 389]

got a hold of mechanic this morning and its going back into shop i believe this is a fuel issue some where im putting on a mechanical fuel pump of mid 80s 200hp johnson and getting rid of electric one also champion or elgin can you explain the recic valves to me and where they are and how to clean them thanks im pretty outboard savy with the 80s and older engines but these newer ones have me baffled with recirc valves and all the safty features thanks guys

[ta3834bbl]

I have the same idle problems too. I would like to hear more about the recirc valves also.

[ChampioNman]

Recirc valves are pretty easy to test and clean. To find them on the starboard side look at the blockside where the piston casting is. Each cylinder has a hose attached to it. Follow the hose from the block to the front side of the crank case. You will have to remove the hoses from the fittings to see the small brass nipple for the recirc valve it self. Remove one at a time or mark a piece of masking tape with a number so you remember where the hose goes so you can remove them all at once. On the port side you have to remove the starter and VRO same process. Get a tin pan and some isoprophyl alcohol and pour it over the valves and let it soak for a few hours. Take a tooth brush and clean the screens on the ends. Now use a syringe ( I use a turkey marinade injector) and a 1/8" clear hose. Fill the syringe with alcohol and attach it to the nipple. See if you can push fluid through if you can't that is good. Now put the screen side in to the solution in the pan and try and draw the alcohol from the pan. If you can the valve is good. The important test is the first one trying to push fluid throuh.
The recirc is a one way valve that has a membrane in it and is a check valve. Have fun!

[javelin 389]

well i cleaned circ valves and new plugs put on mechanical vacume fuel pumps and checked timing again and still had problem so took into shop and he found a dead cylinder on the power pack he is changing the power pack this morning and hopefully all will be well kinda frustrating when you put a new part on and it is bad but just glad i found the problem will let you guys know how it goes latter today at the lake when i pick it up thanks champion man for the info also

[javelin 389]

picked up boat today and mechanic said he cant figure it out wont idle right thinks its internal like a sealing ring but that dosent make much sense to me because he says it wont draw fuel into #6 and #2 cylinder and idels rough when you give it fule it seems to clear up so now im at a loss can anyone help please

[ChampioNman]

May need to check the reeds.

[bckdrft75]

Do you have an update on this yet? I am having problems after making a hard run. When I come back to the launch. It doesn't wanna idle. It will idle for a min at the dock, but by the time I get back to load my my boat. It has shut off. I crank it and it does not want to idle.

My motor.
88' Johnson Gt 150