engine smokes at start up

I run a 120 Johnson V4 and when I start the engine it smokes excessively. I have been using the Johnson brand oil (TCW3) since day one. I just had the carbs overhauled and the engine tuned-up and I am still having the same problems but not as bad. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

What is excessive? Not able to see 10 feet due to the smoke would be excessive? Just kidding. All engines i have had experience with usually smoke pretty good when starting up. After the engine warms ups it should quit smoking. If it doesn't than you have a possible issue. Is it an oil injected engine?

tightlinetx_dan,

I had a Johnson 120 VRO and that thing would kill skeeters for about a 100 ft radius when I fired it up first time each trip. I may be way off base here, but I bet that the gas is evaporating out of the carbs and just leaving the oil in the bowls between trips. This results in a very oil rich mixture when you first crank it up. Be sure you pump the fuel and oil (if applicable) bulbs up good before you back into the water. It won't stop the smoking, but makes life a little easier on the fuel or VRO/OMS pump.

The techs now are recommending running the Ram Ficht oil. It's formulated to reduce carbon buildup. I buy it out of the marina's bulk oil for about $15/gal. I have to provide my own jug. It's about $20/gal on the shelf. In addition, I run Carbon Guard in the gas.

BMCD
Thanks for the info. the engine is oil injected. I was told that the VRO maybe causing the mixture to be off. not sure?

TX Champ
Thanks for your reply, i just make sure that the oil reservoir is full, but dont pump the bulb on it, but have had to on occasion pump the fuel bulb. The mechanic that tuned it up and rebuilt the carbs. said that the VRO pump is self contained and that if I kept on having problems that I might think about changing the whole thing out. He quoted me about $200 to fix it. I would just buy one over the counter and fix it myself to save the bucks. Will know more when I get it out of the shop this week. Hopefully it is not an internal problem! Appreciate the help!! Danny

The VROs have gotten a bad rap in the past when actually they are a very simple and dependable system. The problems they had in the early years were corrected by the late 80s. I changed mine after my ex-mechanic disconnected it for me. I had told him not to, but he was one of those that every time something is wrong with an OMC motor blames it on the VRO. The problem really ended up being the power pack. I learned a big lesson that year about outboard techs. Now I look for one that has continuing education in the brand(s) he works on.

I've e-mailed you some info on the VRO. If you decide to change it yourself, It will be helpful. I don't know who your tech is, but a new BMCA OMS (no longer a VRO) pump is closer to $300. You can buy a reman from

http://dfitechnologies.com/

and save some bucks. I would also change the hoses from the oil and fuel tanks and the pulse hose.

Good Luck!

Call Plano Marine at 972-423-3134.

Ask for Tommy in Service. Tell him that Mark McManaway sent you. Get his advice. I believe he will be helpful or at least lead you in the right direction.

MARK

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Mark McManaway
localanglers@msn.com
www.localanglers.com
[214] 207-8276

Hey Mark
Thanks for the info on Plano Marine! Hopefully I will have this problem taken care off soon. Good Fishin to ya!!! Danny

Yep, still kills those skeeters at 100' but after that no prob. Still runs great, that is until I put it in storage last month. Hope it's still there. Better go check on the girl tomorrow!

Hey Steve! Long time no hear from . I went out and stuck mine on charge last Saturday morning and caressed the tarp and whispered sweet nothings to her. . I'm ready for spring already. AEP has shut down all the power plants around here, so we don't have any warm water to fish. Our club voted to fish Brownwood next month after electing me Secretary . So we'll see if the weather cooperates enough for me to get her out. I've found in my advanced years, that I'm a fair weather fisherman!!

On another subject, Al set up a Champion gallery over on BBC. I told him if he still had the ad photos of the 176, he could post one of them under your handle.

TxChamp, me too. This month does not have any fishing days in it for me, but come january I plan on going to Fairfield quite a few times. I remember one time me and some guys from work went and was so cold and foggy that everyone that had beards looked like Nannuck of the North, icicles hanging everywhere. Me, I just had frozen snot. Won't be fishing like that anymore. I just chalk it up to being older and wiser.