1993 Johnson 50hp vs 1979 Johnson 70hp

[Jeremy T]

I am fixing to buy a used outboard for my Bass Tracker III. I have came across a 1993 Johnson 50hp that's power head has been freshly rebuilt by reputable certified marine mechanic. He had it bored .030 and installed all new bearings, seals, gaskets and pistons and it runs great. I also have a 1979 Johnson 70hp that has never been rebuilt but does run very well as well. Now my question to you all is this. Which engine would be best to go with? I am not worried about speed. I want a reliable engine. Would you go with a rebuilt engine or an engine that is older and has never been torn apart besides maintenance. I plan to keep the engine for a long time. Do you think I would run into a problem with obsolete parts on the 1979 engine any time soon? Thanks

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1993 Johnson 50hp vs 1979 Johnson 70hp

I would go with the 70 mainly because it hasn't been messed with, rebuilds can be good or not btu stock OMC is always good.

And parts won't be a problem for many many years, I have an 81 50 and can buy most any part I need for it, many of them at NAPA.

This is of course if the engine checks out, if yoou can't actually run it at least do a compression test on it, thye actual pressure doesn't matter as much as they are within 10% but it should be 120-140 cold.

 

[JB]

Re: 1993 Johnson 50hp vs 1979 Johnson 70hp

Either outboard should do well, Jeremy, but I would go with the 70 for the same reasons that 5150 would.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1993 Johnson 50hp vs 1979 Johnson 70hp

If you already have the 70, run it until you have problems then assess whether it's worth fixing or replacing. There's no substitute for an old motor that you are familiar with and that runs well.

If I misunderstood you, and you are trying to decide which to buy, first, don't get the OMC if it's electric shift. Although I see the wisdom of the others' advice, I'd be inclined to go with the rebuild since it was done by a shop, and if they will give you a 90 day warranty (90 days from when you first run it, if you are off season now).

14 years is a big age difference; a 1979 is old. Maybe that's partially influenced by the salt water in my veins.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1993 Johnson 50hp vs 1979 Johnson 70hp

If you already have the 70, I would go with that. Although you don't want to go fast--your words-- it never hurts to have reserve horsepower, AND, the price on the 70 is right. Patrs are almost always available for OMC engines of any age.