Re: 1969 115 johnson
Cap Buddy,
This is a real problem on this motor. The tell-tale exits directly backwards and unlike other motors is "spits" rather than "spirts". It's hard to see and to make matters worse it doesn't show till the motor is warmed up (may be too late huh?)
Make sure you have a good temp gauge and keep an eye on it ALL the time. A water pressure gauge might be even better. Also test the temp shut off and make sure it works. It's a little sensor in the top of the head.
I bought a wreck in 1977 and rebuilt it - it was full of impeller pieces!!! and had obviously been run dry. Had it till last year and took my eye off the temp gauge for 20 seconds - oops steam everywhere!! Got it shut down before the overheat did it for me but the impeller had cratered and BLOCKED the water passage. Very sudden failure. I pulled it off the boat 'cause I had to be somewhere and it would have been fine except that it wasn't stored upright. Since the water passage was blocked, there was water trapped in the leg which then found it's way up into the head. A few lessons here I think!!
Nice motor - lots of good parts - anyone need it?? Max 50 hours a year from a complete rebuild, so 1200 hours maybe?? I'm in Calgary, Alberta.
I was told that OMC only made this motor for 6 months so presumably there is more than one 1969 model. Mine is their first electronic ignition and the electronics were subbed out to Prestolite. I think they made their own after that. It has the electro-magnetic shifter (GREAT idea - why did they drop that?).
Hope this helps. I used to know this motor inside out and backwards. Contact me if you need more help.
Ken
