First run with my new boat with a 99' 115hp Johnson ( First Johnson)

[ZL]

This is my first Johnson and it runs way better than any motor I ever has (ALL MERCS before). It starts first turn of the key, and runs like a beast. I have a few questions if any of you Johnson guys can please help me out:

I had a good trip today, but at the launch failed to trim it up when trailering at low tide, I lightly scuffed the prop and the engine killed. It still shifted and ran fine afterwards. Got back and changed the lower-unit oil and had a few real fine shavings of metal on the screws.

Model:J115PLEEM
Year:1999

<U>Questions</U>: 1) There is a small hole on the side the gearcase, located about 2inches up and 2 inches to the left of the water pickup. Pure water drained out of it when trailered, is this hole normal?

2) Should I worry about the metal shavings that were in there? The previous owner used motor very little and probably hadn't changed it in a while.

3) On my merc when in forward the prop locks one way and ratchets the other, in reverse it locks both ways? Is it the same on a Johnson? Mine locks when turned a little both ways, both in reverse and in forward. It shifts fine, but I'm just paranoid with my new boat.

4) Man I sure love my new Johnson, and hope she is alright!!!

[JoePA]

Congrats on you "new" Johnson. As far as your questions:
1: yes, if it's the hole I'm thinking of.
2: You will have some small stuff on the magnet. You will have some sparkles in the oil but if there were big chunks then I would worry. If its the fisrt time the oil has been changed then I wouldn't swaet it. Maybe run it a little and change it again.
3: I don't know! Sorry.

The johnny rude gods will chime in soon enough to answer your questions. Once again cingrats and welcome to the family!!

Joe

[ZL]

Thanks, for the reply. I'm starting to feel a little at easy. No chunks just ultra fine. I was glad when I drove out the previos owners driveway, because he wasn't the smartest of people. (If you catch my drift).

[ChampioNman]

The minute, shavings are normal, use BRP Ultra or ultra HPR LU oil, there should not be a Merc style ratching shaft on your motor shift in gear and 1/2 turn of the prop in either direction it should lock in gear solid. If it sounds "ratchtity in neutral" you can adjust it out. Pull the engine cover, remove the shift cable from the linkage. Manually place the shifter in neutral and spin the prop (motor off of course). Move lever to engage gears in both directions and spin prop with your foot. return the linkage back to neutral and adjust the cable's truninon knob, then secure cable end and trunion bracket.

[ZL]

Thanks, Champion Man! All is well, I plan on picking up some of the BRP lower-oil this week and I'm running Evin/Johnson XD30 (sold cheap from bulk dealer). I'm just not very familiar with the engine yet.

Went fishing all weekend, without a problem. I had 6 Merc's previously, but boy my new Johnson runs better and quieter than any other motor that I have owned. Also I'm getting triple the fuel economy than before.

1999 Johnson 115