1961 johnson 40 HP

[lphotolin]

I went and checked this motor out yesterday Ran fine, female said her ex boyfriend took it out last year. It ran fine yesterday with garden hose and suction cups. I am to take boat out tomorrow A.M. to run in the water. What attention does this BIG TWIN need if I purchase it and the boat. Boat is a 1958 performer fiberglass 14'6" ski boat. How do I check for rotten floor or transom? Thanks, lphotolin

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1961 johnson 40 HP

New water pump impeller since you don't know how old it is. Scan it for degrading fuel lines, spark plug wires, etc.<br /><br />Rotten floor will have spongey spots. A rotten transom flexes badly. Cracks around the motor well are cause for suspicion.

 

[itstippy]

Re: 1961 johnson 40 HP

I read your prior post where you say you are not familiar with working on outboat motors and/or fiberglass boats. Spend the rest of the night reading old posts here in the OMC forum (search under "40HP", "Big Twin", "looking to buy", that kind of thing) and in the Boat Building and Restoration forum (search under "transom", "stringer", "rotton floor", "looking to buy", etc.). Get a feel for potential pitfalls. Between those two forums, a Big Twin service manual, and some fiberglass repair literature you can complete a project boat. BUT - if the motor's in rough shape internally or the boat needs extensive transom or floor repair you must pass it up and keep looking. Period. Refurbishing an old boat and motor is a fun project for lots of folks. Rebuilding a boat and/or motor, on the other hand, is a massive and expensive project that you either love to do or you hate it. Make sure you are taking on a "refurbish" and not a "rebuild" for your first project!