1972 2hp Johnson - fix or replace?

[skategoat]

I bought a small sailboat that came with this motor and I'm wondering if it's worth rebuilding. It starts usually but it has the following problems:<br /><br />1) Does not seem to run smoothly without choke being pulled completely out. The motor stalls if I close the choke.<br /><br />2) Something's leaking. There's always a minor oil slick around the motor. Don't know what it is but there are always streaks of grey grease/oil running down the shaft of the motor.<br /><br />3) Pull cord jams. I already disassembled the starter, cleaned and greased it but it doesn't seem too reliable.<br /><br />4) Engine floods easily.<br /><br />I'm guessing this is going to cost me $50-$100 in parts and manuals plus a lot of hours of my personal labour. The motor is probably worth $100 if it runs well. I have a line on a mint condition 2003 Honda 4-stroke for $500. So, I'm a big of quandary. Take the time and spend the money to fix or just buy the Honda.<br /><br />Opinions?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Skategoat

 

[petrolhead]

Re: 1972 2hp Johnson - fix or replace?

Apart from the pull cord problem it sounds like it just needs a carb rebuild kit which is cheap enough. That will probably cure 1 and 4, and maybe 3 as well, leaving the cord which can't be too hard to fix.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: 1972 2hp Johnson - fix or replace?

in my humble opinion, i say junk it.<br /><br />please send no-good engine for proper disposal to:<br />mike black<br />1439 21 street<br />larghetto, fl

 

[skategoat]

Re: 1972 2hp Johnson - fix or replace?

Okay guys, I have the winter to get it sorted out. I'll pick up a manual. Any suggestions on which one? And is there a carb rebuild kit? Also, is there a kit for all the seals that would make up the gearbox? I think there's a leak there.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1972 2hp Johnson - fix or replace?

On the manual - many libraries have outboard shop manuals in their reference section. You could also brouse eBay.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1972 2hp Johnson - fix or replace?

The carb kit for your engine is PN#398532. Get this from the dealer; it's only a couple bucks more than the aftermarket kit, but it comes with a new plastic float to replace the troublesome cork one.<br />The dealer should be able to help with the lower unit seals, but most often leaks are caused by re-using the fill/drain gaskets. Try some fresh gaskets and see if that doesn't help filrst. They're supposed to be 1 use items.<br />The very best manual is the factory service manual. Unfortunetly, reprints are very expensive ($40USD). But I see several used ones on ebay right now. Search for "2 hp" manual and you'll find a few. Either a '72 Johnson or Evinrude one will work for you.<br />I find the aftermarket Seloc one is also pretty good, but you won't likely find it for less than the ones on ebay. Try your local library for it. <br /> Ebay Link

 

[placebo]

Re: 1972 2hp Johnson - fix or replace?

Skategoat, I have a 2HP Evinrude that is probably similar to your motor. When I got it, I had a lot of trouble with the recoil. It was many years back, but as I remember, the screw in the center kept coming loose, causing a lot of trouble. I think there is some sort of index point when all goes back together, otherwise the screw will not stay tight. Like I said, it's been a while since I had any trouble, so I hope this helps.<br /><br />David