1973 Johnson 9.5hp Worth It?

[jrdamien]

Looking at a 1973 Johnson 9.5hp to upgrade my 6hp. Are these problematic for any particular reason? Is there a difference in power from the 9.9hp? Are they worth it? Thanks!

 

[racerone]

A lot depends on your ambition to work on these.-----They are light ( 60 lbs ) in the brochure.----A nice running motor if in good condition.------Having said that I would not pay much for one.---Get the occasional one for free or less than $100 as is.-----Make sure there is no water getting into the lower unit.----You are looking at one for how much coins ??

 

[jrdamien]

A lot depends on your ambition to work on these.-----They are light ( 60 lbs ) in the brochure.----A nice running motor if in good condition.------Having said that I would not pay much for one.---Get the occasional one for free or less than $100 as is.-----Make sure there is no water getting into the lower unit.----You are looking at one for how much coins ??

They're firm at $400.

I'm just looking for 9.8/9.9 in decent condition.

 

[racerone]

At a reputable shop with warranty it might not be a bad deal.

 

[flyingscott]

Buy a 9.9 they are leaps and bounds ahead of a 9.5.

 

[jrdamien]

Buy a 9.9 they are leaps and bounds ahead of a 9.5.

I appreciate it. What's a fair price now for a late 70's 9.9 in good condition?

 

[racerone]

Markets / local demand / condition / warranty play a big part.----If you have to run to a dealer for every little problem at $100 / hr it adds up.----A new motor is sometimes the best option.----Your location ?

 

[jrdamien]

Minneapolis. Everything I am looking at are 70's.

 

[Crosbyman]

I never paid more than 70 $ CDN for a mid to late 60s 9.5hp my favorite is and was a locked up 9622a . it now sit proudly next to its big brother ...good deal at $50 CDN

I have done several 9.5hp revivals only one has given me a hard time but I am patient

$400 US dollars … no way

 

[racerone]

Well-----Your area has lots of wee lakes.----I would say there is a demand.-----I always say that there are $60,000 ( and more ) pickup trucks on the dealer lots because people are buying them at that price !!

 

[RCO]

The 9.5's are easy to do basic maintenance on, and are a nice running motor when adjusted properly. That being said, the 9.9 has a lot more power than the .4 difference would suggest, and a much better gearcase. The 74-76 9.9 had a low tension ignition system that can be a pain, but other than those years a pretty reliable motor.
I have a soft spot for the 9.5 since I grew up with one, but at the price they bring for a nice one around here, I'd spend a little more on a 9.9.

 

[Faztbullet]

Are these problematic for any particular reason? ​

Yes they are...the side motor mounts break(NLA) causing exhaust housing seal(NLA) to wear and leak exhaust gas under cowl and motor wont run worth a dime at low speeds.

 

[F_R]

I loved the 9.5's when they were new. I don't think I'd buy one now because of the exhaust leaks and parts un-availability. They are simple to do most service on, but a major challenge for the novice if the motor has to be shucked out of the shell. I used to brag that I could do that blindfolded, but probably would have to open one eye now.

On the other had, 9.9's 1974-76 were awful. We couldn't keep them running right out of the box. Maybe that's why there are so many used ones around. People couldn't keep them running long enough to wear them out (???)