1977 Johnson 70 Fix or Trade?

[johnjsa]

I have a 1977 Johnson 70 on a 1982 Bomber Bassmaster 15 1/2 boat. I also have a CMC tilt for the motor dud to the fact the power tilt quit working. Now I am having engine problems & so far no one at our local marine dealer can find problem or fix it. I have an opportunity to trade my motor for a 2006 Mercury Bigfoot 60 with ptt. What is your opintion on trading or fixing? I know it's cheaper to fix if the problem can be found but I am looking down the road at future issues.

 

[JB]

Re: 1977 Johnson 70 Fix or Trade?

My personal choice would be to fix the Johnny, including the PT&T.

Tell us your problems.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1977 Johnson 70 Fix or Trade?

Being Mr. Curious,
I'm wondering if the same dealer that can't fix your 70 is willing to let you trade it for a merc 60? The reason I ask is that the OMC 70hp is exactly what I'm looking for. I have heard from numerous folks that are very knowledgeable that they are super outboards. What kind of problems are you having with the 70? Does the merc come with controls and such? Surely the dealer that couldn't fix it wouldn't take it on trade?
Once again, just curious......
JBJ

 

[matt2002]

Re: 1977 Johnson 70 Fix or Trade?

I know some shops won't even look at a motor more than 10 years old.

 

[johnjsa]

Re: 1977 Johnson 70 Fix or Trade?

Part of the problem with the dealer is that there is only 1 good mechanic & their priority is working on what they have sold or are going to sell before anything else & even if they have started on your engine will stop to work on others. And in some ways, I can see their point, service what you sell. And to answer one of the replies, yes this dealer is the one who has looked at my motor & who is willing to trade for the Merc. But I only asked them to see what they might do. I am picking the boat up Saturday from the local marine place & taking it to another fellow in town who works on engines & who used to own & run the marine shop here in town for years & years & who knows Johnsons & Evinrudes. The only reason I took it to the other place is I went by his place & he was running over with boat work & I thought they might get to it sooner, which actually all I think it needs is a carb clean & rebuild, especially after compression test, spark test all were good.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1977 Johnson 70 Fix or Trade?

If you're not having lower unit problems and your motor has good spark and good compression, you'd be crazy not to get it fixed.. That dealer was going to make a tidy profit off the merc 60 and then fix your 70 and make a nice sum selling it. Not that there's anything wrong with trying to make a buck but it wouldn't be the best deal for you. I think you're wise for taking it to someone else. Unless something strange happens, it should be a reasonably cheap fix. Have you thought about doing it yourself? You'd get it done faster than taking it to someone who's really busy and a heck of a lot cheaper. Rebuilding an outboard carb isn't even close to rebuilding the carb on a car. In fact, outboard carbs are easy. I did a set of 65hp merc carbs yesterday that I was dreading but they were just as easy as a '57 18hp johnson. And no problem to synchronize either.
Just a thought,
JBJ

 

[NolaZach]

Re: 1977 Johnson 70 Fix or Trade?

I have a 77 evinrude 70. It came on the boat I bought, it has a crack in the block but is not locked up.

The three cylnder OMC is a workhorse and is the 350/302 of the boat world. (not power wise I got another 70's Evinrude because I know its a solid motor and my dad knows how to work on them. Yeah I would like something faster or newer, but there is a reason why so many 70's Rudes and Jonnys are still in use.