1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 175 HP

[tomolalla]

Hello out there. <br /><br />I'm about to buy a boat with the Johnson Ocean Runner, 175 HP, 1997 model and becomming a little nervous after looking inot the OMC demise. Do these motors have a history of problems or poor quality? Will getting parts be a problem?<br /><br />Tom

 

[willxuout2]

Re: 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 175 HP

If it's an Ocean Runner then your fine. It's a carbed engine and not a FICHT which is where OMC had the problem.<br /><br />Good Engine...but as with any purchase of a used outboard there may be a reason the owner is trying to sell it. Have is checked out by a qualified mechanic.

 

[tomolalla]

Re: 1997 Johnson Ocean Runner 175 HP

That's good to hear. I'll have a good mechanic check it out, I'm definitely not one. I suppose a quick list of thing to check would be: (1) compresion (2) leakdown (3) lower unit oil for any water (4) condition of water pump (5) corosion (6) see if it can hit 5500 RPMs at top speed (7) see if it can idle down to a crawl without missing. Anything obvious I might have forgotten? <br /><br />I wonder if this was the last year the 175 Ocean Runner was made? Hopefully it comes from a long line of proven powerhouses so I won't have too much trouble getting parts some day. I can't afford to buy another one in the forseeable future...<br /><br />tomolalla