Carb & Charging System Question

boatrookie · #1 09-09-2013, 12:03 PM

I took my boat out this weekend for the first time since last September and I have just a few questions. First off, it's an 84' model V20 with an 86 model Johnson 225 (model #J225TLCD). The boat runs not so good at idle and not very smooth. Actually so much that it is quite difficult when it comes time to loading it back on the trailer. Also, I can hear it sputtering a little bit while at no wake speeds but when I come out of it and hammer down, it runs like a champ. I am guessing the carbs may need to be cleaned??? Is there an easy way to do it without removing them and rebuilding them? My next question is the voltage meter reads right above 16 while @ cruising speeds, is that normal on this boat? I have read things about regulated and unregulated systems but am unsure as to which system is on this boat. Any help is always appreciated.

THEFERMANATOR · #2 09-09-2013, 12:20 PM

Sounds like your carbs need to be cleaned, and possibly rejetted(I have yet to work on an old school looper that runs right on todays fuel with stock jets). And sounds like your voltage regulator is going bad. First thing is to put an accurate volt meter on it to make sure it is actually charging that much, if it is then the regulator is probably going out. It should stay under about 14.5-14.8 volts, anything more is going to do a number on your battery. And to rebuild the carbs, there I no easy way about it. Also that engine has some rather fragile plastic carbs on it that require extra care when rebuilding them(ESPESCIALLY when tightening them back down). And is your model number that you listed on the powerhead or the clamp bracket. Most of the early 86-87 200/225's have been upgraded to the later style 88-92 powerheads.

boatrookie · #3 09-09-2013, 01:41 PM

The model # came off of the clamp bracket. Where is the voltage regulator located on this engine? As far as using the voltmeter, should I just check the voltage directly at the battery while it's running or.....? Thanks for the help. Just learning as I go!

THEFERMANATOR · #4 09-09-2013, 01:56 PM

The voltage regulator is located in the top of the exhaust chest. Standing behind the engine look on top behind the flywheel. You will see 2 black boxes bolted down to a plastic housing. You remove the boxes and housing and the regulator is bolted into the block underneath all of it. As for checking the voltage, you can check it right at the battery. You don't want to boil the battery, and much more than 14.8 will boil one pretty quick.

boatrookie · #5 09-09-2013, 03:13 PM

Thanks. I will check it out this evening.

bradford · #6 09-10-2013, 06:50 PM

I went through all of this with my old 90 model 225 which Ferm now owns.

Everything he said is true, listen to him he is one of the masters.