1979 Johnson 140 hp

[lekslk]

HI There,
I am new here & allot of you seem quite knowledgable on these engines so my question is this, I am looking at buying a 1979 Johnson 140 hp engine and I was wondering if these were good & reliable engines (with normal maintenance). I have an old 65 hp that has been great but need more power for my newer bass boat. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Lance

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1979 Johnson 140 hp

These were solid engines when they first were introduced. This engine is now nearly 30 years old and there are many old parts on the engine. I'd check the compression first. Should be 130-135+ on all cyls. I'd run the engine in the water and check it for proper idle and high speed running. Drain some of the lower unit oil and be sure it's not milky. Shift the engine when running. Make sure the trim works properly. When this engine first came out, the hoses and fuel pump bladders under the cowl were not made to handle alcohol-based fuels. Check them for leaks or stiffness. Possible the powerhead has been replaced..check for proper serial/model number on the top of the block. (It should be a bubbleback block.) Make sure the engine warms up properly (does not run cold). It should have a good telltale stream and not overheat on either side. If the prior owner does not know the last time the impeller was replaced, that would be the first maint. item on my list when you purchase it. Good luck.