1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

[jwellcraft]

I am looking at a 225 Johnson Ocean runner that has not been used in over a year (14 months). The guy that has it said it ran good and strong all the time he just put it down for a while because the boat needed some work. I pulled the cover and all looked good besides the spark plugs are very rusty, the battery cable terminal has corroded right off and I tried to turn the flywheel and it couldn't move a notch. The guy said he would pull the plugs and put some 2 cycle oil in the cylinders to soak a day or 2 then turn it over with a wrench to free up things. Is the normal for this to happen after being laid up for this period and the motor has been tilted all the way up so no chance of any lube staying in the sleeves. Does this sound like it has seized up or something mashed up inside? I own a 150 Ocean runner which I just rebuilt completely but just wondering about this 225, are these gas guzzlers as well or not too bad? Any pros or cons on these 98 225's that I should know about because I really like Johnson motors.

Thanks

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

Find another boat. This one has a bunch of built in problems you don't need. Sounds like a poorly maintained motor.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

I'll go along with Wilde 100% on this one. Stay away from it and look for something else. Too many probs already.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

If you need a wrench to turn it over the motor is toast. Think about this. The reason the engine is seized is because things have rusted insided. Even if it is freed up, it will not run long. Rust doesn't disappear just because 2-cycle oil was added.

 

[levi_tsk]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

X10 find another boat - its a buyers market and unless its free for the taking your looking at ALOT of work that just isnt worth it its pretty obvious the guy didnt take care of the motor AT ALL

 

[jwellcraft]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

Yes he didn't do anyhting to it after he laid it up but it looks really good. Does it take alot to to stop these from turning over with your hand at the flywheel that isn't worth fixing? It's a 1998 which is still a good motor so I'm going to take a closer look at this and see if it is really that bad because if it just openeing it up and changing the connecting rod bearings and piston rings and the sleeves are fine that's not a big deal. Maybe all of the crank bearings as well but he said he would give me a good deal on it and I knew the guy for 10+ years.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

It's your $$$$$ and time. Good Luck.

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

Yes he didn't do anyhting to it after he laid it up but it looks really good. Does it take alot to to stop these from turning over with your hand at the flywheel that isn't worth fixing? It's a 1998 which is still a good motor so I'm going to take a closer look at this and see if it is really that bad because if it just openeing it up and changing the connecting rod bearings and piston rings and the sleeves are fine that's not a big deal. Maybe all of the crank bearings as well but he said he would give me a good deal on it and I knew the guy for 10+ years.

Its screwed, the crankshaft is shot, figure $3-4K for a new powerhead on top of what you pay.
But if it looks good..!

 

[jwellcraft]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

Yes I definately think something has happened internally but suppose I can get it for $500? The block would still be good and all of the electronics and carbs. I can get a remanufactured crank and get all the parts and rebuild it myself so it wouldn't be any labour cost.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

Spark plugs are very rusty and the positive battery terminal is corroded off? I assume "off" of the starter solenoid? If so, to me, that spells out "underwater engine"!

 

[whalerfreak22]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

yep that motor probably sank and thats why its an anchor lol.if i were you i would just spend 1200$ on a running 225 instead of rebuilding the one your buying since cranks tend to go for 700$+. just my 2 cents.

 

[jwellcraft]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

Spark plugs are very rusty and the positive battery terminal is corroded off? I assume "off" of the starter solenoid? If so, to me, that spells out "underwater engine"!

That's exactly what I thought when I saw this as well.

 

[jwellcraft]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

yep that motor probably sank and thats why its an anchor lol.if i were you i would just spend 1200$ on a running 225 instead of rebuilding the one your buying since cranks tend to go for 700$+. just my 2 cents.

And where would I get a 1998 225 from for $1,200 may I ask?

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

probably can pick 1 up for under $2500..I have a 1989 200 Johnson that runs great that I would sell for $2000

 

[whalerfreak22]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

look on craigslist.org ive seen some pretty good deals here and there you just have to look.ive picked up a running 2000 90hp 60 degree v4 looper for 900$ it had a bobs low water pickup also.or if your motor your looking at is in good shape u may find a cheap 225 powerhead.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

JWellCraft..... A word to the wise here. As I mentioned above, I strongly suspect that the engine has been underwater, and I further suspect that after getting it out of the water that it has simply set around. Normal procedure is to first get the engine running immediately after getting it out of the water...... the wiring, electrical components, carburetor rebuilds, etc, being a secondary concern.

Keep in mind that if indeed it was underwater and not taken care of properly when exposed to the air, the carburetors, fuel pump, reed plates, crankshaft, con rods, bearings, almost everything will likely be junk. What you will actually be purchasing will be the lower unit (hopefully) and a few odds and ends.

I'd suggest that you obtain permission to remove the cylinder heads in order to inspect the cylinder walls and pistons. If what you find is a mass of rust, even the cylinder sleeves will require boring or perhaps re-sleeving. Whatever you decide, I wish you well.

 

[daselbee]

Re: 1998 Johnson 225 won't turn over with flywheel

I bet the heads won't come off without many broken bolts. By the way, Jwell, you have a PM if you haven't seen it yet.