Logo
FULL SITE MENU

198?? 115 Johnson

'Automotive' types are a lot of different types.
Copper cores may corrode away at first trip in salt water if unlucky and the different 'silicone' types may ruin the power packs. Each part of the ignition system is 'balanced' to each other and altering characteristics of plugs and wires is like switching a diode with a resistor on your computer motherboard.
 
OK, that makes sense. I don't run salt water, but I'll stick with the original type of wires. If OMC thought it was good enough, I'll stay with it. As to the computer, that change might help mine.:D The hammer hasn't worked yet. I ordered the reg today, but won't have it til next week, so it will be next weekend before its on the motor. I'll let you know how it goes.

thanks for all the help
Bill
 
Haffiman...thanks to all your help, the changes worked. I picked up the 89 regulator on Friday, ran to the cottage with it, ripped off all the 82 stuff, pulled the flywheel, swapped in the new reg. Had to do some headscratching to figure out the correct wiring, since things were so mixed up, but simply followed the colour codes on the terminal cover. The previous "mechanic" had used the terminal block for the electric choke (purple/white wire), but I figured that wasn't right, and wired that directly to the choke. That left a space for the two purple wires to connect. And, success. It was charging at 12.7, and climbing. The battery was at 11.8 when I started. So, took it out for a 20 mile run, just at dusk, lake like a mirror. Beautiful, pushing 45 mph on the 16' Sidewinder.

Pull up near my dock, slow it down, and the motor blew. BAD, SERIOUS, crunching noise from within. Paddle to the dock, try it again, still the same noises. Pulled the plugs, bottom right one wet. Swapped plugs, started it again for 30 seconds, pulled the plug again, wet again. My best guess, since it didn't sieze up solid, is that I've got a bad rod bearing, or the rod cap is broken. I didn't check to see if the piston was moving.

If I up the revs at the dock, it smooths out, and sounds not too bad. That's why I'm guessing a rod cap or bearing, since, in theory anyways, with a motor running at hi revs, the rod caps aren't under pressure, as all the pressure is on the rod, either getting pushed down by the combustion stroke, or pushed up by the crank. Whatever it is, it's serious, and is binding enough that it will stop the engine at low idle.

So, to rebuild, or replace. That is my next problem. Wait, the 72 50 Evinrude is...still not getting water out of it. Damn, too many problems.

Bill
 
Or we will take it to the scrapyard..saving the regulator of course:D. But seriously, I don't think spending all the time and effort and money to rebuild an 89 head on an 82 gearcase is the best option. Besides, I need more power. I'm going to look for a good 140-150 hp..any suggestions..Merc or OMC? Personally, I find Mercs to be complicated critters.
 
I personally like the Evinrude/Johnson 150/175 60 degree loopers, but the earliest versions had some ignition issues. If you find one, check out the power pack part numbers. If the original one stated for the year, bargain the price. If a 'superseded' (later) part number, OK. Around 98 and up should be ok.
Hoever I would have pulled apart the 115, it may not be that bad. As long as crank and upper bearing housing is ok, it might be worth rebuilding.
 
I haven't given up on it yet. I have the original 82 115hp unit, that has a siezed piston. I got that with the boat and motor. I'm going to check part no.s, see what will match to what. I may be able to salvage enough from the 115 to fix the 110. But, I still want more speed from the sidewinder, so I am going to look and see whats out there. If I go the rebuild route, I am kinda worried about the life expectancy of the 89 block. When I changed the reg, I saw a fair bit of corrosion in the water jacket. Which tells me that the seller of the powerhead lied about its use only in fresh water.
 
Back
Top