1990 Johnson 50hp

TC777

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
102
Hello all, I want to know if this motor is a winner (generally speaking). It looks as if it has been taken care of. Any common problems with this engine? Does it make good power? It is behind a 15ft sunbird. Thanks and have a great day!
 

bktheking

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: 1990 Johnson 50hp

I had an 86 50 VRO (disconnected, ran mix) on a 16ft bass tracker and it worked well, 25mph or so, I would imagine a 90 is decent as well. What is the boat rated for?
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1990 Johnson 50hp

1990 50 excellent motor, might be a bit small on that boat. test drive the package.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: 1990 Johnson 50hp

That motor is nearly bullet proof. Has a good size gear case, and abundance of props to select from, and has good grunt so it will push a 15 foot boat just fine. I had one on a 16 foot MirroCraft ProStriker and it was an excellent combo. Economical and parts are reasonably priced. Being a two cylinder it does idle a little rough but it will troll all day with no complaints. Use a fuel treatment like SeaFoam to keep the fuel system clean. Make sure the oil injection system is working properly. It may have been removed so make sure you understand if you have to premix fuel or not.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: 1990 Johnson 50hp

Guy near the cottage has the same boat with a 50hp merc on it. His is adequate but nothing to write home about.
What is the max HP rating on your boat ??
 

bktheking

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: 1990 Johnson 50hp

Check the floor for soft spots, they all look nice and interior mint until the floor goes in them. Ask questions:

Where was the boat stored for the winter?
Has it got a cover?
Is it an original owner boat?
Has the floor deck ever been repaired?
Has it ever been left in the rain without the cover.
Has the transom ever been repaired.
What repairs have been done to the engine.
Ask the owner what he/she does to winterize.
Ask for receipts for work performed.



I bought my boat, 83 with a super mint interior until I found a soft spot, spent this past summer replacing the floor instead of enjoying it, major PITA to replace it, check it over closely before you buy it. I bought mine with trailer ,83 90hp johnson and the boat for $2500 CAD. Bring a boat expert along with you if you know one, check compression on the motor, get it running , check temperature of it running, run it gear in the lake, take it for a spin. Test everything before you part with your money, boats are a dime a dozen so don't get hooked on one in particular.
 
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