60 hp 1971 Johnson ob - problems to expect?

[pfeffer]

I am new to boating and am looking to purchase a vintage 1971 16' starcraft with a 60 hp electronic shift Johnson. The engine has been unused and stored inside for 20 years and I I will be traveling 4 1/2 hours to look over the boat and engine before purchase. I am not mechanically inclined and the current owner promised that the engine ran well when he put it away 20 years ago.

I am not afraid to put some money into the engine but I wanted to know from others if this style engine poses any particular problems or challenges.

Thanks -- any ideas or words of caution would be great.

the boat package is 1,725 and here are some photos

http://s710.photobucket.com/albums/ww110/pfeffer_photos/

 

[F_R]

Re: 60 hp 1971 Johnson ob - problems to expect?

Some people will bad-mouth the shift, but I like them. IF not misused, abused, and neglected.

The shift switch in the control is nearly obsolete, hard to find, and around $400. Yes, they do give trouble.

That motor has the Motorola battery CD ignition system with points and a distributor cap. Not the best system ever developed. And easy to damage if you don't maintain the electrical system properly.

If you do get it, check the spark plugs and if they are still the surface gap type, trash them and put in a set of L77JC4 plugs. Best thing that ever happened to those motors to make them run.

 

[pfeffer]

Re: 60 hp 1971 Johnson ob - problems to expect?

Thanks for your input. This probably sounds like a stupid question (again, I am new to motorboating) but an electronic shift does what?

If the owner gets the engine up and running with a bucket of water under it, will I be able to test if the "switch" is working?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 60 hp 1971 Johnson ob - problems to expect?

also the solenoids are like hens teeth to find, then i needs to be a good used one.


Hydro Electric Shift)
(J. Reeves)

The shifting setup of the lower unit is what's called a "Hydro Electric Shift", which is quite complex consisting of voltage being applied to solenoids in the lower unit which in turn change oil passages via a oil pump that supplies various pressure on a spring loaded shifter dog. The wires leading to the lower unit (at the powerhead) are "Green" and "Blue". The engine must be running or cranking over in order to shift out of forward gear.

You CAN NOT use HI VIS lube in that lower unit. You MUST USE what OMC calls "Premium Blend" lube, commonly called "Type C". (A thinner lube)

In neutral, you need 12v to the "Green" wire.
In reverse, you need 12v to both wires, the "Green" one and the "Blue" one.
In forward, there should be no voltage to either wire. (The spring loaded shifter dog forces the unit into forward gear)

To check the lower unit for proper shifting to make sure you have no trouble there, remove the spark plugs to avoid problems and to allow a higher cranking speed.

This next step eliminates the actual shift switch in case problems may exist there.... Disconnect the blue & green wires at the knife connectors (the rubber insulated boots) leading to the lower unit at the powerhead, then using jumpers, take voltage direct from the starter solenoid to apply voltage to the "Green" wire for neutral, then both wires 'Green" & "Blue" for reverse (Remember the engine must be cranking over in order to shift).
With no voltage applied, the unit should be in forward. No need for a ground jumper... the lower unit's already grounded. You may crank the engine with the key switch or by energizing the starter solenoid with a jumper wire.

 

[pfeffer]

Re: 60 hp 1971 Johnson ob - problems to expect?

What can I expect to pay for solenoids and how many would be in the engine?

If I get the engine up an running (in a garbage can) can't i check the shifting by simply going into neutral, drive and then reverse?

How can you tell if a motor has hydroelectric shift in the first place?

 

[F_R]

Re: 60 hp 1971 Johnson ob - problems to expect?

Don't be worrying about the solenoids. Life is too short to worry about stuff that hasn't happened.

Yes, you can shift it to see if it works. You realize of course that nothing is guaranteed to work tomorrow, even life.

If it is the motor you say it is, it has Hydro-Electric shift.

 

[pfeffer]

Re: 60 hp 1971 Johnson ob - problems to expect?

thanks everyone -- I plan on reviewing the engine as closely as I can. Keep your fingers crossed that I found a good one.

adam