1998 Johnson 150 Ocean Runner -Vibrating at idle, 2200 RPM Max and stall as soon as p

[anacapaboater]

I was running my trustworthy 1998 Ocean runner for 2 days straight - went 11 miles offshore twice. But when I got back to harbor my daughter asked for a ride and once I was about half a mile out my outboard started acting up. It slowed down and never got pass 2200 RPM. I still managed to get back to the dock running it about 2000RPM.

Here are my main symptoms of my 1998 Johnson 150 Ocean Runner:

1. Will not go pass 2200RPM
2. Rattles and vibrates at idle, but doesn't stall.
3. Stalls instantly when put in reverse.
4. Does start up right away.

My Outboard never got pass 4700RPM since I got it last year, I always attributed it to bad prop. - Maybe not anymore.

Recently checked and changed.

1. Spark Plugs
2. Thermostats
3. Lower unit services.
4. In the winter I drained the fuel from the tank - All new fuel.
5. all fuel lines were replaced 1 year ago
6. VRO pump replaced 2 years ago.
7 Carbs rebuild 1 year ago.

Please point me in the right direction.......

Here are a few ideas I am thinking about....

1. PowerPack. - but why reverse?
2. Fuel Filter got clogged from stuff at the bottom of the tank - but why reverse stall??

THANK YOU

[boats.net]

Check compression to make sure engine os ok. Check fuel for water, check to see if all cylinders are firing.

[PleasureKill]

Similar problem

I had a similar problem with my 1999 Johnson 175. It started bogging/stuttering at first when running down the lake. Then it would run fine in the when I 1st go on the lake...I would stop and fish...then it would act up. It wouldn't get above 2200RPM...I tried everything that I could...except taking it to the mechanic....I broke down and took it....it ended up being my stator and power pack. They told me my stator was fine at 1st, then heated up and was actually dripping down the motor....and 4 of the 6 points on the power pack were not firing...so that would be my main step...at least check them....they charged me $400 for the stator, but it on ebay for $165...from the same company...and they wanted to charge me $425 for the power pack and $100 for the power pack switch...I bought them on ebay for $220 total...so...The labor killed me...but maybe you can do most of the maint. yourself. Good luck.