Johnson Outboards

Hi Guys,

Me again, how reliable are these motors?
How easy or difficult is it to get spares?

Looking at a boat with one on.

Thanks in advance

I can only speak of my experience with a 7hp Seahorse... Was a complete piece of crap. We bought it to replace a very old Merc 3.9hp... I hated that motor more than most things in life. I was constantly having to fix a variety of things on it.

It's possible that I had a dud (it was bought new) but it was difficult to work on and there were no spares available where I had it in the E.Cape.

If you are referring to the year 80s....then well, she's old, back in those days, it was strictly Yama + Mercs. Of course the new generation is a horse of different colour. You need to think about spares etc....I do have an old Suzi 30 DT....runs like a dream, like an AK 47, when here service + upgrade came up, it took me months to get her done, thanks to LimpopoKing that assisted me with a manual etc...

FACT: If your are not a fundi / Mech, I would suggest stay away from older models (albeit, atleast that's how I view them)

I would say that if you can get it for cheap enough go for it, if something breaks then you you throw the engine away and get something newer.

Mahi mahi wrote:

I would say that if you can get it for cheap enough go for it, if something breaks then you you throw the engine away and get something newer.

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Cool Don !!! As long as it does not happens at sea, but yes you have a point.

Johnson = anchor.

Guppigetta wrote:

Johnson = anchor.

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lol......yes, the old ones, the new ones are pretty good I believe

Well it seems that no one seems overly positive about those years Johnson's. Please see picture as guideline.

New ones I believe are Evinrude and really good.

Thanks

NISMOnator wrote:

Well it seems that no one seems overly positive about those years Johnson's. Please see picture as guideline.

New ones I believe are Evinrude and really good.

Thanks

Click to expand...

I would say that engine is probably more reliable than the newer Evinrudes!!

I have one of those 60HP 2 cylinder, if the compression is right they are pretty bullet proof.

The wiring harness likes to crumble to bits so your will more than likely have to repair or replace the engine side of the harness.

Spares can be found but are expensive, waterpump impeller is around R750 thats not even the plate and gaskets.

Coils are pretty standard between brands so you can get away R350 or so a coil.

I had a wet plug issue and it turned out to be the bottom coil.

CDI units don't normally fail.

In fact I've bought 2 more of these motors they will have to be completely refurbed but they are simple enough.

If it Starts runs flawlessly makes you happy it will always be yours and yours only it has 0 2nd hand value almost like secondhand nokia 2110.

In 1980 or 1990 opinion may be different in 2017- these Johnsons are dated and redundant

I have a 1995 Johnson 115 and have no problems spares are available yet be it a tad expensive

How are these in pictures? These are later gen?

Were they reliable?

I have 3 old Johnsons of a much smaller capacity, all of which are twin cylinder 2-strokes. If you have basic mechanical knowledge you should be able to sort out any problems yourself.  The most difficult problems to diagnose are usually corrosion on the loom, as the other parts can be tested and replaced by referring to a Clymer manual - which have excellent diagnosis guidelines.  Ebay or Amazon these.

https://www.clymer.com/s/evinrude-johnson/marine-manuals/view-all

If the motor turns over and is not jammed then it's worth purchasing - albeit for cheap.   2 Strokes are very simple machines to fix - just don't mess with carbs until you know absolutely that they need adjusting.  In the case of "air, fuel or fire" it's most often the "fire" part that needs to be fixed.  Plugs -> Coils -> Loom... (maybe CDi unit - also available on Ebay).

I have a 1975 - 6hp Johnson seahorse bought new by my father in 1975 and runs flawlessly, because it has been flushed after every use and put away.

My 4.5hp was bought from a guy who had it from new and could not get it running.  It has a built in petrol tank.  I added fuel - and it would not run...  so I put my lips on the tank filler hole and blew hard and it started first pull.  Been running perfectly every since!  Bargain for R1750.

Then a 1989 - 15hp Johnson  I bought this as a "fix-or-anchor" project and it too now runs perfectly, but with some effort.  The 15hp took quite a bit of diagnostics to get running and many parts ordered from Ebay - mostly service parts like spark plugs, impeller and fuel pump diaphragm (which you should replace on a 2nd hand machine anyway).  The biggest expense was the coil and my time to diagnose/fix.

Mostly these are well made American machines - with parts and service being your biggest challenge in SA.  Once it's running and you continue to look after it, it could be good to go for 35yrs like my 6hp Seahorse.

If you plan on running off-shore or even near-shore then i would be certain to go with 2 motors if they are older Johnsons or Evinrudes or ANY brand of older motor where you didn't buy it new and don't know the history.

I might be hesitant to get involved with older 4-strokes as these are significantly more complicated and will cost you more than you bargained for unless you are a mechanic by trade - but I'm guessing you're not.

Thanks for all the advice.

60hp Johnsons 1996 model on a Orion Cat 15?

Just plain boat no extras. R75 000 does that sound right?((goodp_

Hi NISMOnator,

Did you buy the Johson 60HP. Just want to know what your experience with the motor was?

I am going to look at 3 Johnsons 3 Cylinder 60s. Two runners and one for spares for my 16.6ft boat.
I did find a place i JHB that does do spares for the older models but at a price.

thanks

Hi Leo,

No I did not. I pointed out a few things I noted on the motors idle and when is running.

After that the dealership went quiet on me. :X:X

I ended up buying another boat with Yamaha.

But after speaking to several people and some boats shop owners. The Johnsons are very good motors.

Guys just said that the impeller is a mission to change on those motors but other than that and parts being a bit scarce.

They are reliable.

Happy boating. I might still go back in the new year to go look at boat again and if available will try and get it and get the motors sorted. Just concerned about parts. But if they are running. And you look after them. They will last.

Thanks for the feedback.

I will go and look at the motors and then decide. Being on a budget does not always allow for taking what you would desire. I have also heard that they are good motors if looked after.

Getting a third motor for spares is a bonus. They apparently have all the controls and electric starts. I will need at least two motors when i venture out to sea.

Fortunately i will be able to do work on them prior to using them as its a project boat i am starting off with.

Its a base to start with and venture into the new century at a later stage.

Johnson V4 115 Outboard?

Around the 1980's has anyone had one?

Fuel consumption and reliability.

_seal1_