Does anyone have experience with this motor? I'm looking at a Javelin with this motor but I am not sure how they are. I care about reliability more than speed.

I have a 1996 Johnson fast strike 150. I know it’s not the same block but I love mine. I did away with the oil injection and premix my gas but it great.

I owned one. They are great little engines if you treat them right. Fresh fuel and a good oil like XD50 or XD100 and they will run forever. Be aware that this is a carburetor engine and not fuel injected. They are cold natured and take a minute to warm up to operating temperature. Replace the plugs and fuel filter yearly, and the thermostats every other year. No big deal if you can read instructions and turn a wrench. There are some John/Rude experts at Bass Boat Central that can give you some more advice.

I have a 92 150hp Fast Strike on a 92 Javelin. I have had the boat 5 or so years with no issues other than it is a little cold to start if it sits for a month or so. It does like the higher octane fuel, regular does not run well. I also put a can of sea foam through it about every other tank. Cranks and runs like a top knock on wood and pushes my 389T 62 if everything is just right. I normally run about 50.

Good idea on the SeaFoam. Those engines also need to be regularly "de-carboned" from time to time, and the SeaFoam can practically eliminate that procedure.

One of my fishing partners runs a ‘95 115 on his ranger. The design of the carb bowl is flawed and there is a ball bearing that can come out and leak fuel. Also the bowl will warp causing fuel leaks. If the motor primes well and holds pressure in the bulb you are good. If if doesn’t pull the cowl and air cleaner and look at the carbs and see if you can see any fuel coming out.

I wouldn’t be surprised if his Johnson had 1000 hours on it. It will push the 17’ ranger about 50mph with two well fed individuals in it. His still has the original VRO setup and it has run fine. It has alarms for fuel and oil so it gives a little piece of mind even though most will say to run mixed fuel and delete the VRO.