Re: 1965 Johnson, is it worth it?
To add a little more to the fire... As noted, only you can decide if it's worth it. Those motors were solid performers and with minimal maintenance did very well for a long time. Basic design was made for a generation with only minor improvements as technology advanced. I've got a '54 Johnson 5.5 - same basic motor - and it runs like a top. My munchkin runs it and starts it without a problem. It does everything I would want a new 6hp outboard to do, probably burns marginally more fuel, and although I do mix the gas richer than a new one would take, I can buy an awful lot of gas & oil for the difference in initial cost between what I've got in that motor and a new one. I've replaced everything that is likely to give a problem - ignition components, water pump, hoses, etc. Pretty much the only things that would give me a problem with it are the same things a new motor would be affected by - water pump aging, gumming of carbs, wear of parts, etc. I started with a basically sound motor, which helps a lot. Buy one that has been abused and a whole host of problems may arise. It can be a crapshoot, but if you do your homework, you'll come out ahead...<br />- Scott