1973 Johnson 115 (What should I know?)

[ErikF]

Hello,

I will probably be going to look at this motor later this week. Right now I have a 1973 Evinrude 65 and would like a little more power for my 18' Blue Fin (plated for 120HP)

The seller told me the motor has not been used in two years, when put away it was winterized at a marina and has been stored in a heated garage since, the seller said he would be able to start it for me to show that it does run. He is asking $350 for the motor and needs to sell soon as he is moving out of state.

He told me the motor has hydraulic assist but not electronic, I'm not sure what this means? If someone could explain or take a guess I'd appreciate it.

I do not have a compression tester right now but could probably pick one up before I go to look at it if need be.

Comments? Advice?

Thanks!

Erik

 

[tschamp20]

Re: 1973 Johnson 115 (What should I know?)

$350 is a hell of a price if its sound. some engine pieces like connecting rods are antique and are costly.take a comp. tester and spark tester set at 7/16 gap to see if ignition is strong.hell if its got tilt its worth $350 for that almost.good luck,keep us posted,ill be curious what you decide.

 

[BugsBunnyBoater]

Re: 1973 Johnson 115 (What should I know?)

The 112 and 115 are very good engines. You can part the motor out and get 350 easy. I have a 112 thats been bored .30 over and it runs great on my 19 mako.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1973 Johnson 115 (What should I know?)

In 1973 OMC made two options for tilting the engine. One was the typical tilt and trim unit, the other was a tilt only. The tilt only was used to get the lower unit up out of the water at the end of the day. It was not operable when the boat was on plane. My read is that this engine may have the tilt only feature. The last year for the electric shift lower unit was 1972-an advantage on this engine. Check the lower unit for water intrusion.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: 1973 Johnson 115 (What should I know?)

He told me the motor has hydraulic assist but not electronic, I'm not sure what this means? If someone could explain or take a guess I'd appreciate it.

Older outboards for a certain time period were electric shift and people stayed away from them since many of the parts are NLA (no longer available) and that particular OB is hydraulic assist for shifting which was much more reliable.

Based on your location I would doubt that your motor was run in salt water and being a freshwater motor only is also a plus.