1989 Johnson 88-Worth Rebuild?

IBrokeMyFreakinNeck

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 3, 2004
Messages
142
Would a 1989 Johnson 88 that has low compression on 2 cylinders and probably needs a rebuild be worth buying for $300? It is a complete motor with lower unit.<br />I have never rebuilt a motor but an interested in doing so. What would be the average cost if I did it myself?
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 1989 Johnson 88-Worth Rebuild?

An excellent project. And the price is right as long as the lower unit is good and it would be great if the trim worked. Very easy to do with the aid of the OE manual and a decent machine shop. <br /><br />Specific costs would depend on what machine work needs to be done (boring, sleeving, honing). Even if you bought it and decided not to do it, the lower unit would get your money back.<br /><br />Go for it!
 

IBrokeMyFreakinNeck

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 3, 2004
Messages
142
Re: 1989 Johnson 88-Worth Rebuild?

I talked to the guy again and he said the motor came with the boat he bought, but he has another motor he is going to use.<br />He said he doesn't know how low the compression is, but its on the first 2 cylinders.<br />He said lower unit, trim/tilt are fine. Also comes with controls and a SS prop.<br />Yeah I really want this motor but I just have to convince the wife :(
 

93bronco

Ensign
Joined
Nov 11, 2001
Messages
962
Re: 1989 Johnson 88-Worth Rebuild?

i would get it, than seach ebay for the j/e parts and service manual. or buy them new.<br />-<br />either way you will have fun & learn alot.<br />the best that you could hope for is that it just needs new head gaskets.
 

reeldutch

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
1,340
Re: 1989 Johnson 88-Worth Rebuild?

i'm going to rebuild a 1990 evi 115.<br />almost the same block as your 88.<br />so i think its fun to learn an rebuild it yourself.<br />i think the key to succes is to take your time for it and dont pressure yourself.<br />listen to other people and just have fun.<br />Ok its a lot of money depanding on<br />wat the dammage is i figgured a total rebuild replacing 4 pistons ,rebore,new bearings,rebuild carb,new thermostates,waterpump, and a paint job is probbebly around $1600 in worsed case.<br />If your lucky it might be a 1000.<br /> i'm not in a hurry i got 2 motors.<br />the one on my boat is a 1989 110 bubbleback rebuild and runs like a top.<br />the 115 i'm gonna rebuild myself and have fun .<br /><br />good luck<br /><br />reeldutch
 
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