how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

[ryan_the_sparky]

how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson? thinking of buying one. dont that keen on buying a motor this old , but newwer outboards cost so much here.

cheers

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

Good motors depending on condition. Do you know the model number ????

 

[stelis]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

I have one. Have heard very good things about them...although mine has no power when I put it in gear so I am trying to work through that problem right now.

I agree, new engines are a significant percentage cost-wise of a new car!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

That's a great motor. Check compression. If that's good, everything else is fixable

 

[jtexas]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

old? It's just barely broke in good. That motor is bullet proof.

Parts are available and not too expensive over here, sorry I can't verify that for your hemisphere.

I have a '79 vintage, and would not hesitate to own another, given good compression.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

I run a 1980 model on one of my boats. Great motor!

BUT, like anything, it is only as good as the maintenance and care it has had in the 30 years since it was built. If the powerhead shows good compression (120+ across the board and within 5% of each other) then it is likely in good enough shape to use, even if you have to put some money into it to fix an issue or three. Works out even better if you're handy and can do maintenance and and basic repairs yourself.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

What would be a good used car from 81?

 

[ryan_the_sparky]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

Model # J70FLCIM
serial # A67731
Name plate is really hard to read.

I dont think this model exists so i think it might be either A J70ELCIM or J70ELCIH ??????? i dont know engine year.

I gave it a compression test and 2 cylinders had 115psi and 110 psi on the other one. motor was slightly warm, put full throttle on, did not ground plugs though.

I have 2 jetskis so know how to take care of machines , heaps of crc or wd40 does the trick.

dont know how cheap motors are in the states but to compare prices a yamaha 50hp stock costs $7000 here so about $5500USD

have a look at the auction and the pics of the motor and boat im thinking of buying

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=286423383

 

[mark1961]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

If the tilt/trim isnt an add on the model number would be J70TLCIM otherwise one of the other numbers you mentioned, its an 81 model or thereabouts.

If you decide to go ahead with the purchase and need parts for it they can be found at reasonable prices from boats.net, i have found them much cheaper than local OEM suppliers, even taking into account shipping, unfortunately iboats do not ship to our region.

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/BRP/JOHNSON/1981/parts.html

 

[jtexas]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

choke solenoid linkage rules out 1983 or later; the "CI" in the model # confirms it as an '81.

I'm guessing they added the hydrofoil to help with towing skiers, otherwise that motor should have that hull on plane in no time flat.

 

[palmrose2]

Re: how reliable is a 1981 70hp johnson?

What would be a good used car from 81?

Wow! A good American spec 1981 car?! With the possible exception of a Honda CVCC powered ride, I can't think of a one. Just about every one was junk coming off the assembly line. I can come up with plenty of winners from 1970 and before, and 1985 and after.

The analogy of a 1981 car doesn't fly.