ohioriverrat

I don't know if this will help or not, but while reading my Johnson service manual last night (I have a 1988 110 HP VRO), it mentioned the fuel pump on some 150s as being too small. The only fix for it was to install the newer style high output fuel pump. It also mentioned that, on some models (again, I don't have the particulars) that some of the carburetor venturis were too large. And again, the only fix is a new carb. Both items were said to cause the high speed symtoms you all describe. Sorry, I don't remember the exact years that had the issues, nor which horsepower (other that the 150 mentioned). I can look again tonight, but as I don't do Internet on weekends, I cannot post it quickly. All this information is covered in the Clymer service manual for outboards up to about 1989. One issue is in the "carburetor synchronization" section and the other is covered in the "Fuel System" section. Cheers, Mark

Ditto myself. Left for spinning, right for BC. This is the way my dad put rods into my hands, and this is how I learned to do it. However, my wife is ambidextrous, and just learning the finer points. Indeed she uses left hand with a spinnig reel, but she has not tried a BC yet, and I don't want to force her into a right hand retrieve if she would be better suited to a lefty. This conversation goes a long way as to how to approach the BC when she is ready (SOON!). Thanks to all who contributed. Good debate.

So? I'll pass that little tidbit off the my wife. For some reason she's a lifelong Redskins fan.... but I married her anyway.

PM sent.

RW, thank you very much for that explanation. I swear I thought I was dyslexic for a while, but honestly, using either type reel was foreign to me when in opposite hands. I just wondered about the extra move needed switch hands everytime I cast with the BC. [says to self:] I am normal, I am normal, I am normal...

* Long sigh* Regardless of anything else, Mr. Harvil will still be subject to a full investigation.

I have several spinning setups. All are left hand retrieve (rod in right hand). I also have several level wind setups. All are right hand retieve (rod in left hand). I have tried to use the same hand with both types of reel, but either one is uncomfortable being opposite. I'm just more comfortable palming the baitcaster in my left hand, though I must switch hands for the casting phase. What do you all do?

I found out just a little more about the rod. Father in law bought it just after returning from the Pacific in WW II. He dates it at 1946. Doesn't remember the reel though. I'm cruising ebay to see what might be available. This thing is only to be a display piece, so function is not as important as it having the correct (ish) look. Thanks guys. Learned a lot from this thread.

I'll lay odds he gets picked up by some team. The press will be good for the team, like it or not. Even bad press is good press. He will fill seats, especially if he gets some kind of form back.

Darwinism at it's finest. At least idiot can't reproduce now. R.I.H (Rest in Helll)

I wish I could do pictures, but no camera right now (Hmm, it fell in the RIVER!). Anyway, I have an old all steel fishing rod. It is about 60" from handle to tip. and on the handle casting is marked "True Temper". It's set up for probably some kind of old level wind reel. It is in like new shape; the steel is shiny, the maroon paint is intact on the handle and the cork is perfect. I have no idea of it's age, but if I can find out, I'd like to find an old (read correct) reel to match it's age. It will be used for display only. Can anyone help without a pic? If not, when I get a new camera, I'll post up a snap. THX, Mark

Unfortunately I offer another spin, at least for me. Looking at the people that attend Avon, pampered Chef, and so on, it is clear that most attendees are women. The ONLY criteria to attend one of these parties is that 1.) you are invited 2.) There is no number two. Most women cook to some degree, and most women like to look and smell like a woman. So any product related to this type of party will appeal to almost 100% of the attendees. Now, on to the men. I know a LOT of men. I know many em from work and quite a few from private life. However, within my circle of friends, or even acquaintances, I know of maybe one that does much fishing. That means that if you were the district party rep trying to recruit guys to throw a party here, don't call me. And by the same token, I know of no one who would call me to attend a get together. Therefore, the only way I could see getting any kind of turnout, at least in my world, would be to advertise and throw a public party in a public place. Fishing is quite a niche market, along with hunting, motorcycle riding, and hundreds of other 'man hobbies' (I mean NO dispespect to our women anglers. However, the number of participants IS disproportional). Everyone has to eat (Pampered Chef) and store the leftovers (Tupperware). Most girls want to act like girls (Avon). And so on. So their POTENTIAL product market is huge. I guess what I'm getting at is if one of you does pull this off, and it ever works up to my neck of the woods, I hope you consider a public show. My buddies like to have a beer or two, but they ain't gonna talk about fishing when their tongues loosen up!

I am a Pflueger kind of guy anyway (in spinning outfits), and LCM probably speaks truth. The Trion line will do a fine job for a long time. Just two more cents.

What stores or shops do you have access to? Are you in a hurry?

Stren mono.... because I worked in the plant that makes the stuff. I could get 10,000 ft spools of 6, 8, 10, and 12. I could keep my entire city in line back then! ;D I think they may have moved the plant recently (not sure, I am no longer there). So now I read this thread and will make a new decision next time I need line.

Where I'm from, the winds are from the west 99% of the time. Usually if they are out of the east, there is a serious barometric event happening! And most of that time, you ain't gonna want to be on water anyway lest you can surf. However, the winds aloft can also easily be from the west, and the surface winds in the opposite direction. Different story then. See, there IS a benifit to being new at this- sayings don't mean squat!

Great responses guys and gals! Seems everyone has their own way to "motor on" when times get tough. It is quite interesting what some of you do. I too will be fine. I don't have near the attitude problems that I had when I was younger. The original post was a lot of reminiscing coupled with a little bit of present day feelings. I doubt if I would burn myself out in only a few weekends. But I want the wife to have the best experience possible, to avoid her getting the dreaded funk. This newfound hobby of hers is almost like having a new wife (we've been married 33 years). I just do not want that to end. One thing that is a bit different is the boat. I had not had a boat for most of my early days, and when I did get a small john boat, I couldn't handle it very well alone. I was by myself 100% of the time. This new (to us) bass boat, although small and underpowered by some standards, is like having all new water to fish. The difference between bank fishing, john boating, and 110 horses on a 16.5 ft platform is incredible. That alone is enough to keep me happy for a long time. I'm an explorer now as much as an angler. Bottom line is, I thought this over quite carefully before jumping back in the water (no pun intended). I expect our renewed hobby to prove it's longevity pretty well, or I would have resisted her overtures from the start. Will we fish every weekend? Very doubtful. But I believe that we will have many fine hours together searching for the Big Kahuna. The rest of you should be so lucky. Cheers Mark

Clear shell of roller is missing. Will correct that first, then go from there. Thanks W2S.

I treat my cast iron better than my fishing equipment (OK, maybe not THAT well). I've tried both types of cleaning and, depending on what I've made in it, I use either method. But by far I use the scrape and lube method at least 2 to 1. Cast iron rocks. And now that I think about it, so does my MIL.

I fished for a long time when I was young. I did OK, but eventually, when long periods of non productivity set in (due maybe only to poor ability), I became frustrated. And then later, I just quit fishing altogether.... for close to thirty years. Did the same thing with golf. Just didn't get much better, lost interest, and haven't played again for five years. Now I didn't throw all my stuff away or anything like that. I just migrated into other things to do. Next thing I knew, it was many years later. Since my wife is getting into fishing, I have also re-kindled the spark. What I don't want to do is get into the same funk. Last weekend was a poor weekend for me (us). The weekend prior was a banner week. But I find myself thinking more about making a widget on the metal lathe this weekend instead of heading for the river, which would do nothing for the wifes newfound passion. I enjoy fishing very much, and I love the fact that my lady wants to do the same things with me. But I like to, well, catch fish! I don't have access to the BEST fisheries in the world. The Ohio river, while holding plenty of fish in my area, is not world renound for many and big bass. So with this being asked on a forum of nothing but folks who eat, sleep and dream fishing, Do you ever get into a "ain't catchin nuthin" funk? What keeps you going, besides the obvious chance to catch King Kong or twenty average fish per outing?

Malted milk tablets. Popped em like life savers. Gone since mid 60's.

Now that he knows how, he may not even be green lizard for long. He can now quietly morf into a screen name that will make pee wee AND green lizzy go away. The pity party may be over. :'(

Way2slow, Yep. I can see that you are not going to be much help on my motor issues. The thing is running kind of alright, but it doesn't like to launch. The hesitation is awful. Once it finally gets past whatever is wrong, it runs well. So, since hesitation is usually either timing or fuel delivery, I will ultimately be working out both. I have a well equipped mechanical/ machineshop (from my race car days) and after looking through the manual, shouldn't have any problems working on this outboard... other than maybe a few tips and tricks, such as you have already so kindly given I will leave the reed valves alone. The first thing the guy at the marina said ws " get the VRO off that motor!". So, as of right now, I have not changed fuel pumps, but I have deleted the tank and associated tubing (plugged off). I mix all fuel now. If I need to do more, I will do so. I can see you will be a valuable resource for me in the future. Too bad for you, as I have many questions. Thanks,

Man! That's what I call service! I have cruised and bookmarked both websites, and as a bonus, I do have a NAPA not three miles from the house. Time to give the ol' girl a long awaited tune up. Thanks to you all.

I searched, but didn't do very well. Anyway... I have an old (1988) Johnson 110 VRO that needs some TLC. I would like to rebuild the carbs and examine the reed valves, and just some general stuff. I have the manual, but I would like to find a parts resource on the internet. We have no good boat shops in the area. Anyone have a reliable web resource for outboard parts/rebuild kits/stuff? Mark