1978 Johnson 200 compression

[Officerelmore]

I'm looking into buying a used 1978 200hp V6 Johnson outboard. I haven't looked at it myself yet but the guy said he checked the compression last week and it read as follows:

105 105
95 118
120 120

The 95 worries me. Any thoughts?

 

[racerone]

And so it should.--------If you get it cheap you rebuild to get a long lasting and simple motor.

 

[Officerelmore]

I've got him talked down to 300 but that was before I found out about the compression. He might take 250

 

[emdsapmgr]

If that powerhead has the 235 heads on it (323872/873) the compression should be right at 120. If it's got the stock 150/175/200 heads (323456/457) the compression should be 105-110. You have quite a variance on that powerhead. Total of 25# difference. Worth a second compression check with another gauge. Likely there is an internal problem that will require you to do some fixing. Factor that into your pricing.

 

[racerone]

Likely broken ring on the low cylinder.-----Easy to remove bypass cover to inspect that.

 

[Officerelmore]

I ended up not buying it. I met with the guy and I could tell he was a meth head. His story about how he came me to possess the boat didn't add up. I'm fairly sure he stole it

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

......His story about how he came me to possess the boat didn't add up. I'm fairly sure he stole it

You ought to call the local law enforcement on the off chance someone reported that boat stolen.