The lowerunit in this motor is worth the most, alot of the parts are NLA. Have you checked it out? Is it sealed properly? I would suggest pouring oil in the carbs, its just not something I would do. I would mix some 24:1 gas, a good tcw-3 Premium oil. Clean up the spark plugs, check the impeller and tube, also I would make sure all the battery leads are tight and not touching. Also if your feeling it add a little seafoam in the air intake (1 spray every 15 seconds for about 3 - 5 minutes then spray about 10 times in about 20 seconds and kill the motor, let the seafoam sit for 5 - 10 minutes and start it and run the seafoam out. Don't be afraid, its make of a petroleum based, so it combusts.
Im working on a 1974 johnson 50hp right now, got a head gasket set and rings, going to get her to run great again. This is what I would do when first starting it.
