1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

[Bite Size]

I just bought a 14 foot Indian River Boat with a 6hp Johnson. I believe the impeller should be replaced since I am getting a spray rather then steady stream out the back. How difficult is this? Also the motor is a little to small for what I really want does anyone have a suggestion on an appropriate size outboard? New to boating and looking for help.
Thanks

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

I just bought a 14 foot Indian River Boat with a 6hp Johnson. I believe the impeller should be replaced since I am getting a spray rather then steady stream out the back. How difficult is this? Also the motor is a little to small for what I really want does anyone have a suggestion on an appropriate size outboard? New to boating and looking for help.
Thanks

Welcome to iboats
Impeller is not a difficult job and should be done on any unknown motor. Best thing you can do is get a manual to help you.
What is the max HP for your boat ??? is there a plate on it giving that information ?? You should never exceed the recommended HP and 70% of the maximum HP is a ball park minimum for reasonable performance.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

Yes straight forward job

Two parts of the shift rod have to be disconnected when the gear case is dropped a little.

There is a pin through the drive shaft near the top that supports all the bits and pieces that make up the lower crank shaft seal. The shaft has to be rotated until the pin can pass though a slot, then it pulls out (All the bits and pieces are retained at the top)

There's no separate telltale so all you get is a spray of water out with exhaust , not a jet like you get from a telltale.

Provided you can touch the cylinder head and keep a finger on there for a few seconds your cooling should be OK. If not, esp. if a splash of water sizzles and boils it is overheating.

 

[Bite Size]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

Thanks for the help! The plate reads 25hp. So should I look at a 20hp motor?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

Thanks for the help! The plate reads 25hp. So should I look at a 20hp motor?

Yep 20 to 25hp would be the best performers for you.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

I agree that 20 - 25 hp would be perfect for your boat.

BTW, that's a really nice looking boat! I just did a search for "Indian River Boats" and didn't find anything. Do you know where they are located or have any address info?



???

 

[Bite Size]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

I don't know if they are in business anymore but it was built by Indian River Boat Manufacturers in New Smyrna, Florida.

I am looking at a 20hp Johnson tonight! The owner said the best way to check compression is to see if it will run on one spark at a time, if it does then its good.

Is he correct or just doesn't want me to run a compression check?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

100psi or better per cylinder is good and that is with a pull rope check. Most importantly, you want the cylinders to be very close to the same, for compression. I get 100 psi on each cylinder with my old 18hp and that is with the pull rope. With electric starter, you will get a tad bit higher.

Those 20's are great motors and are easy to work on.

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: 1973 6hp Johnson seahorse

I don't know if they are in business anymore but it was built by Indian River Boat Manufacturers in New Smyrna, Florida.

I am looking at a 20hp Johnson tonight! The owner said the best way to check compression is to see if it will run on one spark at a time, if it does then its good.

Is he correct or just doesn't want me to run a compression check?

To perform a proper compression check is to buy a compression guage and measure each cylinder. Can be purchased at Harbor freight or similar type store for about $20.00. The readings should be within 10% of each other.

Here is link in the secret files for compression check: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=313963&highlight=compression

Here is the link for secret file and has alot of very useful information: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=299680

Good luck with your purchase.

cajuncook1