235 hp Johnson 1985 Should I stay away from this ?

[Joe4711]

Hi all,

I am looking at buying a 85 Wellcraft 228 in very good condition with a '85 235hp Johnson on it.

Problem: 4 cylinders read 87 psi, 1 reads 75 psi, and 1 reads 80psi, with throttle in idle position.

The motor starts easy and runs with a bit of a miss on idle, with muffs on.
I can get the boat for $2000.00 but will have to fix the trailer it is sitting on (was used to tow the boat 50 miles last week) or buy a new trailer.

I also have a 1977 140hp Johnson that was recently totally rebuilt but not shure if this will be strong enough to fit behind this boat. Dry weight of the boat should be +- 2500lbs.

Should I just walk away from this, or should I spent money on a rebuilt.I can do the work myself.

Would really appreciate all input/advise.

Tx,
Joe

 

[F_R]

Re: 235 hp Johnson 1985 Should I stay away from this ?

Expect the worst on the motor, then if it isn't a wreck you come out ahead. Better than coming out behind. But then, I never buy lottery tickets either. I figure I'm ahead.

 

[splitshot]

Re: 235 hp Johnson 1985 Should I stay away from this ?

if it runs it cant be that bad right ?? but theres only one way to tell and thats to tear it apart...but before you do that try a decarb its the cheapest to start with...the previous owner could have idled it alot or lugged it leading to carbon build up (will hurt compression) search here for decarb..do it then if the numbers dont come up then it needs to be gone thru

 

[Joe4711]

Re: 235 hp Johnson 1985 Should I stay away from this ?

Any one else want to take a shot at this,I really like the boat but am a bit weary about the motor.

 

[Mas]

Re: 235 hp Johnson 1985 Should I stay away from this ?

Do you trust your gauge? If not, try a different compression gauge.

MAS

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 235 hp Johnson 1985 Should I stay away from this ?

The straight 235 engine for 85 came with low compression bathtub heads on it, so it was never a high compression model. Still, I would think 95+ lbs would be normal. At best, the current compression is really low. It's a tired engine. If you do try to run it as is, it will be down on horsepower. Probably needs at least a set of rings.