1977 15 HP Johnson warped head?

[nightstalker]

Bought a 1977 15 HP Johnson outboard at a yard sale for $35. Took it apart and cleaned the carb (looked like someone filled it with molasses) and had to replace the thermostat. Lower unit had a golf ball size hole in it caused by the owner laying it on it's side outdoors where it froze. Fixed that with a little sanding, stainless sheet metal and industrial adhesive. The head looks OK, but may have a slight warp. Is the liquid head gasket goop any good, or should I try to find a new gasket and have the head shaved?<br />Stalker

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1977 15 HP Johnson warped head?

Hello stalker.<br />If the head is a little warped, you can resurface it yourself on a surface plate. If you don't have one, find a peice of 1/4" thick plate (float) glass or thicker and use it. Set a peice of ~150+ sandpaper on the glass and swirl the head in a figure 8 pattern until all the surfaces look shiny. <br />Then a new head gasket, and torque the head correctly. Retorque the head after your first warmup, and you'll be set. There's no sealer for the head gasket.<br />Goops, often used sucessfully in automotive applications, are often found lacking when used on an outboard. Silicone based products are to be avoided completely. Other products cause electrolysis, which eats your outboard to peices. Since your life sometimes depends on your outboard, fixing it "right" is the way to go.<br /><br />PS - Sounds like you put quite a bit of work into this outboard. Good luck with your remaining tasks. You can get new parts from your Johnson dealer, or some consumable parts like gaskets and thermostats from NAPA autoparts. Eg, your head gasket is pn 18-2963 from NAPA's marine catalog.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: 1977 15 HP Johnson warped head?

Paul:<br /> Just completed the resurfacing of the head as you suggested. Went fairly easy. Johnson dealer is ordering the gasket. Thanks for the help.<br />Stalker