Need help with 1989 Johnson 140 V-4 ? on Year

[THEFERMANATOR]

Yep, it's an 87, and it has the 85-87 ignition(85 was the first year of the looper for the V-4 and V-8). The wire your talking about is a bonding wire. As for the idling, make sure the t-stats are in and working, make sure the bypas valve for the t-stats is operating and set in place correctly, make sure you have QL77JC4 plugs(QL78YC's will not idle worth a crap in these engines), and also make sure the correct carbs are on it and not warped.

[nymack66]

Here is why I really like this model/years 85-87 140's the electronic parts are way cheaper than lets say 88-91 models. Price it on line you will see, Power Packs, Stator, Trigger etc. Its because of its cheap Cost Of Ownership I am sticking with it.
I am no Outboard mechanic, however the darn engine is so simple to fix it make looks like one or if I am in a pinch I tap into the resources on this site.
I did post the same question when I first purchase the Boat and the guys here all had good things to say about it.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Originally Posted by nymack66

Here is why I really like this model/years 85-87 140's the electronic parts are way cheaper than lets say 88-91 models. Price it on line you will see, Power Packs, Stator, Trigger etc. Its because of its cheap Cost Of Ownership I am sticking with it.
I am no Outboard mechanic, however the darn engine is so simple to fix it make looks like one or if I am in a pinch I tap into the resources on this site.
I did post the same question when I first purchase the Boat and the guys here all had good things to say about it.

85-87 does have simpler electronics on it, but that is where the advantages end. The 88+ large bore engines do have an edge for reliabilty for the most part. The 85-87 engines are TOUGH, so long as the carbs are in good shape AND the timing is set NO higher than 19 at 5500. 20 degrees total timing on a stock 86-87and you'll lose a piston, I can pretty much guarantee you that(don't ask, please). 85 had a wholel ist of problems due to it being the first year out, but they can be upgraded rather easily and run like a scalded dog. Take good care of an early small bore looper(clean fuel, clean carbs, and proper link and sync with timing set at 17-18 total at 5K), and she'll be a good long lasting engine that was one of the best on fuel that OMC ever built(the small bore engines were better on fuel at cruise by a good margin due to the aggressive porting with small bore). Abuse her though, and you'll curse her. And parts are EASY to find for them as so many different parts can interchange.

[Macrenovations]

All right then I guess that's that. Going to bring her down to the shop and start the rebuilding process not that it needs to be done besides the carbs , But I have the whole winter to make the v-4 look and preform like new again so mite as well. Not to mention my buddy owns a boat repair shop that helps too. I just rather asked everyone here as well about this motor.What to make sure my thoughts are on inline and don't waste the money. Thanks THEFERMANATOR