1972 JOHNSON 100HP Outboard??

[jfreemanTMN]

Friends,

I've been offered a 1972 Johnson Model 100ESL72R "for peanuts" out of a local estate, to possibly power a circa 1960 vintage, 17 foot deep/wide/deep hulled, utility runabout.
The engine has been stored in a garage since about 1975. - The sole owner passed away after using the engine for a single Summer, so I can ask him nothing. - His lady knows ZILCH about the OB but wants it GONE & out of her garage.

It looks very acceptable, cosmetically "near new" & is NOT "stuck".

I have ZERO experience with OMC motors of that era & wonder if anyone here has actual experience with the 100 HP model of 1972, as to reliability. ====> Your advice & comments are solicited.

THANKS for reading this comment.

Sincerely, JfreemanTMN

 

[jbuote]

Hey there! :welcome:

Relatively new myself, but I can tell you that it has Hydro-Electric shifting. Some say to stay away from it, but it's a good mechanism really. I have it on my 1971 50 hp Johnson.

The main issue with it though, is that parts for the shifting are either no longer available, or if you find them (ebay, some listing from private seller etc..), they are pricey to say the least. The shift switch in the remote control for that engine alone is about $300.00 US. (the CHEAPEST I've seen one in my area anyway...)

By the sounds of it, it was purchased new, used for 1 summer, then stored indoors since.
I personally would jump on it for "Peanuts", especially if it's all there.., Remote controls, wiring harness etc..
Can always re-power later if need be, but doesn't sound like you'd need to.

You will have to replace water pump impeller, Once I had it, I'd do a compression check, spark gap test, change lower unit gear oil (Type "C" for electric shift only!! BRP markets it as Premium Blend I believe), clean carbs, and some other basic "Re-awakening" service to it.

Might even pressure test the lower unit too to verify seals are holding, but might need to put new seals in it after all this time..

As for reliability, can't speak too much to that except as I noted, I have a 71 50hp that's still running strong to this day.
Got it used about 2 years ago.. Good little engine.

In any event, if it were me, I'd grab it.
Worst case, you can part it out if it's truly no good and make your "Peanuts" back and then some, but I sincerely think it's going to be in GREAT shape based on what you've said. Some seal and "New to you" service, and it should be good, and last you a long time with proper maintenance.

The true gurus here will have better information for you I'm sure, but that's my relative newbie $0.02

Hope it helps!

 

[jfreemanTMN]

I call 75.oo cash "peanuts", which is what the widow asked me for it. = All of the accessories are there EXCEPT the gas tank. = She gave the gas tank to a neighbor, who wanted it for a 40HP Evinrude of the same era.

THANKS, jfreemanTMN

 

[jbuote]

For that price, and if it's really as you described, I'd definitely grab it....
Can EASILY make your money back and MORE if you end up not wanting it, or find an issue while "Awakening" it.

 

[jimmbo]

For 75 bucks I would grab it. Worst case is you part it out, you will make money

As mentioned it will need some TLC for wake up

 

[jfreemanTMN]

THANKS.

yours, jfreemanTMN