cold-n-smokin' 225 johnson?

[sawyer67]

hey all,

I'm looking to buy a 97' Javelin 400 TDC with like model year 225 johnson venom. i've always been a bank fisherman so my knowledge, and experience with boat motors is extremely limited. Test drove it today. It floods easy,so claims the owner. ( but today it cranked after 2 or 3 shots of choke with 15 to 20 seconds in between attempts, he claimed it cranked easier than he expected probably because air temp. was in the mid 50's) He also claims it fires off first time after running a short distance, on first turn of the key regardless of temperature. This motor really seemed to smoke quite a bit when idling, but seemed to lessen a fair amount after warm up. Any of this sound like RED flags, or just ordinary behavior for this year, and this motor? I haven't had the compression tested yet, but will very soon. Any info. ( any website/ chat room refferals) at all on this subject, or any other buyer beware advice would be greatly appreciated !

Thanks in advance,

Sawman

[Spike-A-Pike]

For a big 6 cylinder, 2 stroke engine, that doesn't sound to uncommon. Most 2 stroke engines smoke a little at start up and clear up after they warm up a bit. Ask the owner when it was last serviced by a Johnson dealer and if there is any maintenance logs or service receipts. If the owner can tell you where he takes the boat for service, you might be able to talk to the dealer to find out if the engine has had regular service completed.

Good luck and I hope you get the boat of your dreams.

[hazmail]

sawman- I have a 2 stroke that smokes on startup too, electronic injection probably gives it more oil when cold and it wont burn it efficiently when cold anyway. That's my 2 bobs worth, by the way mine is a 30h.P, slight difference.

This site may help though :

http://www.themarinedoctor.com/cgi-bin//YaBB.pl

pete

[Troul Hawk]

Sounds just like I have seen my buddies motor. It smokes a bunch when it is first started, but runs like a dream all day long afterward. Don't know for sure, but it sounds like a normal thing to me.

We were on the lake today, and water temp was 44 and air was about the same.There was a blue cloud behind him.

[sawyer67]

Thanks fellas, all is appreciated. sawman

[Spike-A-Pike]

The only reference I on the web for a '97 Johnson 225 venom was an issue with the oil pump system, but appeared to be operator error without any damage... Just tighten the filler cap and pump up the system.

I think the 2 stroke smoking issue is what prompted the gov't to force the makers into 4 stroke designs. It just smells different in the mornings at the boat ramp. Hope the boat works out for you.

[fish devil]

I run a 1995 EFI and IMO the smoke is normal for startup. I took out the variable oil injection unit and mix oil when I fill up.

[JSC]

Cold smoke-n first start up I thought was normal on 2 stroke engines .. On shut down there is a coating of fuel and oil left in the cylinder .. also in the carburator ... the fuel evaporates and only the oil is left plus ... I have yet to see one that did not need choking put them both together and you gotta have smoke ... Like Fish devil I removed the oil injection on the last 2 engines and mix my oil on fill up .... Next one is going to be a 4 stroker that was the big mistake I made when I purchased the last one.

JSC

[ChampionBoatGuy]

I have an '85 Mariner 150 and it smokes on start-up as well. The oil injection system was pulled from mine when I got it. I mix 50:1 and it runs like a top.

As for opinions on the boat, you've already took it out on the water which is good. I always run the compression check. I've been told to look for consistency. You want all the numbers to roughly be within 10% of each other. I.E., 125 and 130 would be good, but 110 and 130 would be an indicator that's it may need work. I do know some of the newer engines run lower on compression tests. Find a book on the engine at the library if you can. Also, ask the guy when he last had the impeller replaced. Most OEMs recommmend 3 yrs. A bad one can turn a deal into a dump real fast.

And lastly, and if possible, take it to someone to have them check it over. I just got mine back from our local 'boat guy' and it was bout $70 for a spring tune-up. He checked the hi and low timing, plugs, compression, electronics, senders, etc. If it concerns you enough that could be some good piece of mind.

Hope any of that helps!

[sawyer67]

Thanks for the input everyone. You all have been a great help! Sawman

[Braided Line]

Buyer beware. Is there a reason he`s selling? Was he a "T" fishermen? Does it look good/abused? Hows the trailer? Tires? What pound thrust trolling motor does it have? Hows the live well systems? Lots to a Bass boat and motor so do your home work. You got something to pull it with? Lots of questions.

It`s your money so think long and hard about it.

Good luck.

[ChampionBoatGuy]

Just remember this one thing......

BOAT = Break Out Another Thousand

[dwendt1978]

I'd definitely want to know about the trolling motor. How many pounds thrust is it? For that size boat you'd definitely want around an 80 or better.

Definitely check out the live wells, all the electrical components, and such.

My buddy bought a BassCat that was 10 yrs old and never tested the trolling motor. When he first took it out it steers incredibly hard. Cost about 1K for a new one.

But another buddy had a 97 Javelin w/ a Johnson 225 and it smoked also. And as for starting, once you get the hang of what the boat likes, you'll start it the first time everytime.