Engine Stalls

[BASS7]

My 2000 Johnson 225 HO outboard will stall sometime when starting off. It fires back up when I turn the switch not even making one revolution. It has plenty of power and pulls thru the RMP range with no missing or power loss. I haven't had the boat long and have only had it in the water a few times. I changed the primer pump bulb when I got the boat due to a mushy feel and now I'm thinking the fuel line needs to be replaced too. The fuel line has been replaced but I don't know when.
The spark plugs look good but I don't know how old they are.

Any ideas of the problem ??

Thanks.

 

[bluewingjb]

Mine was doing something similar. There should be one or two electrical quick connect plugs on the engine where the wiring from the boats connects to the engine. Disconnect them and check the pins for dirt and stuff if you see any use some electrical connection spray and let everything dry real good. On my Mariner there are 2 connections, one is a quick connect twist lock type and the other is just in a rubber boot. They both had stuff on them and after I clean them and the female sockets too, dont forget them, everything is running great. Take a look it cant hurt.

 

[BASS7]

Thanks. I'll check that out.

I'm going to change spark plugs today just in case.
I don't know how long these plugs have been in the engine.

Anyone else ??

 

[Rannger361]

It must be a Johnson thing, I have a 89 johnson 150 and it does the same thing. Let me know how you fix it,

 

[BASS7]

I will if you will. emoBigsmile

 

[BASS7]

Anyone have any other ideas ????

 

[Guest]

Try this simple test if you are also having problems with it dieing when trying to load on the trailer , let it idle for a minute then push in key to prime it ie choke it then see if it will come up on pad without stalling out if it does you need to richen up your carbs they are adjustable

 

[BASS7]

The engine is fuel injected.

But, I'll give it a try.
Thanks

 

[Guest]

Ok I am sorry but I saw were you said it was a 2000 model Johnson 225 that is a carb engine Johnson did not build a direct injected 225 . Evinrude built a 225 direct injected motor if it is a 225 evinrude ficht engine then yur problem may be the TPS or could even may be the connector harness on the TPS.has it given you any check engine lights if so it may have stored codes that could help with finding your problem

 

[BASS7]

Oops. My paperwork says 2000...and I just checked and you are right. It's a carbed motor.

No check engine lights. The engine cranks up fast after it stalls but I have to tickle the throttle then stand on it when leaving my spot. Sometimes that works and sometimes not. It comes out of the hole good but it acts like it runs out of fuel. I know some elec problems will do the same. How can I check the TPS ? That's the throttle positioner sensor, correct ?? Is it elec or simply an adjustment ?

I did pull one of the plugs but the gap looked much wider than 0.30, although I didn't actually check the gap with a gauge. The plugs looked OK but were a little darker than they should have been. I think I'll replace them anyway.

When I first got the boat, the primer bulb would leak down, loosing prime, so I replaced it and so far, that's all I've done.

 

[BASS7]

OK, I just came in from removing the plugs. The recommended gap is 0.30 and these were gapped at 0.48. That may explain the problem. These plugs have been in the engine a long time from the looks of them.

I also removed the air cleaner and found six single barrel carbs. So it is definately a carbed motor.

I'll replace the plugs tomorrow with Champion QL78YC plugs as recommended although I have always had good luck in the past with NGK in an XP 150 engine.

Anyone have any experience using NGK plugs ?? I notice most are using Champion as recommended by OMC and they know more than I do.

 

[Guest]

Ok there is no tps on carb engines I would only use the champion QL78YC plugs try the primer deal and see if that works I think it will solve your problems. Just push the key in a couple times

 

[BASS7]

I'm thinking you are right. After seeing the big gap, I was convinced I had found the problem. That's a long way for the fire to jump and I'm surprised it ran so well at high RPM. No misses or anything.
I'll try the primer thing but with new plugs set to the proper gap, I'm thinking it will be fine. And I'll use the Champion plugs for sure.

I'll run the boat and report back.
Thanks for the help. emoSmile

 

[BASS7]

Just back from the lake ( and caught a few fish ).

The engine started quick and idled good even when cold. When starting off, it comes up on plane good....sometimes.

It still tries to stall out on occasion.
I'll check the elec connections this weekend. Maybe those are dirty.

The engine ran strong to 6000 rpm's with no missing or loss of power.

What are the symptoms of a bad fuel line ?

 

[BASS7]

The engine will sometimes die while idling or when I put it in gear. I seems like it's not getting fuel when that happens.

I'm checking the fuel filter today.
Then pressure checking the fuel line for leaks. I can see no wet spots anywhere.
Then spraying carb cleaner thru it.

If none of this works, it's off to the dealer.

This has me stumped but I'll keep plugging away.

 

[BASS7]

The fuel filter has a little trash so I cleaned it out. New one on order since my local dealer didn't have one.

I also found the fuel filter only had a clamp on one end.......could be sucking air. Repaired that.

I feel like I'm talking to myself.

 

[bluewingjb]

Hey Bass7 sounds like you are winning the battle here!!! Good for you.. I bet when you get the fuel filter replace and the clamps done it will be even better. Also have you checked the fuel lines? We all know what the ethanol does to them.

 

[BASS7]

I spoke with the original owner yesterday. He told me everything about the boat like having the carbs rebuilt, some new gaskets, engine tuned, new fuel line,etc. He sold the boat after getting it out of the shop and never got to run it due to his tow vehicle blowing up. He also told me about the prop work and blueprinting the hull. One thing stuck in my mind. He would usually pump the primer bulb before starting the engine after fishing a spot for a while........to keep the engine from dying.

I'm also thinking fuel line since it's been on the boat for two years. He also added a ball valve cutoff to the fuel line. That could be the problem since it's rubber due to ethenal gas.

It's just like the fuel is taken away when starting off sometimes. Other times, the boat jumps on the pad when coming out of the hole. The engine starts, runs then dies when putting it in gear......sometimes.

I'm going to the lake today to run the boat and fish a little. Wish me luck and keep reading this post. I need ideas.

Thanks. emoBang emoSmile

 

[bluewingjb]

I would take the cowling off and check for electrical plugs, the round kind that connect the wires from the boat to the engine.. Disconnect them and clean them good with electrical cleaner if the look the slightest bit dirty. It cant hurt and it fixed my stalling issue.

 

[BASS7]

Bluewing, I'll do that tomorrow. The engine is very clean under the cowl but you never know.

Just back from the lake and the engine ran good as usual but still had a bit of the stall issue. It starts fast and idles good then it's like you start squeezing the line to cut off the fuel. Then the engine dies. It still sounds like a fuel issue to me. The carbs have been rebuilt and the fuel pump has been replaced, the primer bulb was changed. The fuel line will be next. Plus checking the elec connections.

The boat comes out of the hole strong except when the engine dies. It ran 76 today with 1/2 tank of fuel and my wife and me aboard plus gear. Not bad.

I'll keep plugging away until I find it.

I'm also thinking about spraying some of the OMC carb cleaner thru the carbs. That can't hurt anything. What's that stuff called ? Tune - up in a can or something like that ?