Oil Injector problems

[beer batter]

I'm looking at purchasing a boat with a 1993 Johnson 140 HP oil injected 2 stroke. I've heard of problems with Johnson oil injected motors of the early-mid 90's. Question I have is a 10 year old motor probably through any issues with the oil injectors? Wouldn't they have been worked out by now if the common problem with them were to occur (problem being that the oil doesn't get injected and there's no alarm to notify of it)?

Also how would I test the low oil alarm from the oil injector? Is there typically a shut off valve of some sort to test it?

Testing it out Thursday so any feedback is appreciated.

[united jigsticker]

In my opinion, older means "more prone to fail".

The safe bet is to pre-mix it. Then you never have to worry or wonder again.

Most would suggest either replacing the injection system on something of that age, or doing the pre-mix in the tank.

I know its messy, but the moments it takes to clean up the oil is nothing compared to the rebuild and cost of the mess in your engine block.

------------------
Good fishing,
UJ
[email protected]

[Surface Tension]

I believe the low oil alarm operates off a float in the oil reservoir. So the pump could fail and you'd have no warning.
This is one reason I'm a stickler at listening for the slightest hint that somethings not right when running any engine whether it be a outboard, car or whatever. I don't think I'd premix but I'd have enough oil on hand just in case.

[beer batter]

So if the alarm operates on a float it would appear only way to trigger the alarm is to run on a near dry oil resevoir? Any other way to test the alarm? Is the float level adjustable? Meaning can I adjust the float somehow so that the alarm would go off at any oil resevoir level? Just want to make sure the alarm works at this point.

[Valv]

That motor has a alarm connected to switch, when you turn key it will beep for a second, that's the alarm test.
You might want to pull oil tank cap off to see if it will beep, or empty tank. My suggestion is to run pre-mix, or have dealer check VRO (oil injection), a $ 50.00 spent at dealer is well worth it comparing to a blown motor.
Check compression also, to see if there is any problem on each cylinder already.

------------------
Val Vignati

www.kvesurplus.com
[email protected]

[ChuckN]

I wouldn't worry about that motor. The issues with the VRO oil injection happened in the early-mid 1980's, not 1990s. We've owned so many VRO engines, I lost count. Only one motor (1989 60hp Johnson VRO) saw a mechanic and that was to have the carbs adjusted and new reed valves. That was years ago. My dad bought the motor in the early 1990's from a Mille Lacs fishing guide. It has A LOT of hours and it still runs perfect to this day...