How to Check a 2004 Johnson Power Pack

• #1

What would be the symptoms of a Power Pack needing to be replaced?

HighTrim

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• #2

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

usually engine will run rough, what motor ? Symptoms? YOu'll wanna diagnose this one right bc power packs are generally not cheap.

• #3

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

1985 Evinrude 115 Motor.

We took it out to a lake near by and it ran fine for about 20 minutes, then it suddenly died. We tried to start it again and it tried to fire a couple of times but died. After getting a lift back to the dock it would start but only run for a few minutes. By the time we got back home it would run fine again.

It was suggested by a boat dealer that I called on the phone that it might be the Power Pack, however, you never know how much knowlege people have, I thought I'd try and get some more info.

• #4

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

Is there a way to test this yourself?

77Lark

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• #5

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

I'm replacing my power pack tomorrow. We'll see if it was my problem. I had about 50 posts on here troubleshoot my ignition. If you search for 77Lark you might get an idea.

I'll post my findings tomorrow.

Adam

ezeke

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• #6

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

Bad powerpack -that is exactly what I would expect if the motor died like that because it would knock out two cylinders and shut you down under load.

Then you get home and start it up with no load on the engine and wonder.

I think you should ask the guy to explain what caused it to happen, and if the explanation is plausible, you better hire him.

BTW, You may want to have someone check your rectifier to make sure that it is still charging. If you want to check it yourself, put a voltmeter on the battery with the engine off and take a reading. Then take a reading at the battery with the engine running and make sure that it is higher.

• #7

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

We're hoping to be able to fix whatever it is ourselves, as everywhere around here is booked full, and it wouldn't cost so much then. Is that a possibility or does a professional need to do it.

HighTrim

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• #8

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

Its harder to diagnose than to fix, but it sure does sound like your problem. If you search 77larks thread like he said, i had a PP test in there you may want to try, follow his thread.

77Lark

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• #9

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

Knock out two cyl.? Mine has no spark on all four. Is that normal?

tashasdaddy

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• #10

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

testing for electrical, several pages here. C & P without the "

"http://www.boatpartstore.com/page28.asp"

ezeke

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• #11

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

To 77Lark: The 80's 115HP motor has two powerpacks, one for each bank of cylinders.

• #12

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

So is everyone in agreence that this is my problem, or are there other theories?

ezeke

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• #13

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

It could have overheated and locked up.

The flywheel could be loose.

The fuel pump could be bad.

You could have water in your tank.

Your ignition coils could be bad.

• #14

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

Are you saying that bad gas could have caused it?

ezeke

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• #15

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

Gasoline floats on water. The fuel pickup line is at the bottom of the tank.

• #16

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

Ic, I was just curious, cuz I don't think they changed out the gas since we've gotten the boat, which means that it's running old gas. I didn't know if that would have caused the problem.

jtexas

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• #17

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

yes, bad gas will make it run badly - before you start throwing parts at it, do this:

1. compression test - you want the lowest to be within 10% of the highest.
2. spark test - set your tester at 7/16" look for strong blue spark.
3. cylinder drop test - engine idling, pull then reconnect the spark plug leads, one at a time. if RPM's don't decrease noticeably, that cylinder's not making power. Use a spark plug boot tool to avoid electro-shock therapy, or ask someone you don't like very much to help out.
4. make sure the fuel line is holding pressure.
5. make sure the fuel tank vent is clear.
6. inspect fuel lines, look for old, stiff, cracking hoses.
7. listen closely for the sound of sucking air at all the fittings while someone pumps up the primer bulb.

report your results.

• #18

Re: Symptoms of bad "Power Pack" ?

I will pass along to suggestions and let you know what we find out. Thank you so much.

How to Check a 2004 Johnson Power Pack

Source: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/symptoms-of-bad-power-pack.212451/

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