70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

[VAlakeboat]

Back again for help with some decision making on motor for pontoon project. Restoring 84 harris 280 flote boat, came with 84 johnson 70hp, top cylinder 40 psi, pulled head, cylinder wall looks ok, piston a little beat up on top, ring?? was looking at rebuilding motor then found (craigslist) 1978 evinrude fresh water 70 HP, "low hrs" compression 135 132 135, lower unit good no water in fluid, needs starting fluid to crank, motor had been sitting for several years.Question is how to evaluate the evinrude on the spot, he's asking $550 for the Rude, can't even buy a rebuild kit for the johnson for that, would you take the chance?? The motor is a 100 mile drive and would have to take the day off work to even go look.Thanks for the input

 

[Daviet]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

With good compression and no water in the lower unit any thing else can be repaired. Sounds like the starting problem is in the carbs. Make sure you get all the controls with it.

 

[VAlakeboat]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

Controls, he says the shift and throttle cables are rusted and wouldn't work so he disconnected them to check the motor, he replaced the key switch because key was lost, any chance my 84 johnson throttle and shift cables/controls will work? Thanks for the Reply!!

 

[Daviet]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

If they both are manual shift lower units and have the same color cannon plug (red), you should be ok.

 

[VAlakeboat]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

OK, you lost me at manual shift, as in not electric? and yes the cannon plug is red on both, I've got to call this guy back and tell him if I'm coming to look at it tomorrow, what else would you ask before driving 100 miles?

 

[Daviet]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

Yes, not electric shift. You already know the compression is ok, I would double check his numbers. No water in the lower unit, I would confirm this there. The control boxes will interchange.
If I were traveling that far to look at it, take some tools and check compression, spark and the lower unit for myself. Look it over in general, lower unit/prop all beat up, corrosion on electrical system, fuel lines need to be replaced? Use a little common sense, take cash and maybe do a little dickering for price if you think it is not worth what he wants.

 

[VAlakeboat]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

Yeah kinda sounds like what I was thinking, the pictures he posted the exterior of the motor and lower unit actually look much cleaner than the one I have that is 6 years newer, and he says it includes a stainless prop, just a little leary of the craigslist thing and what seems to be a pretty good deal compared to what that engine would sell for locally, if you could find it. Guess I better call work and tell 'em they're gonna be short tomorrow, LOl, thanks for all the input and still listening for any more, THANKS AGAIN!!

 

[Daviet]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

Let us know it turns out.

 

[VAlakeboat]

Re: 70 HP johnson/evinrude crunch time

I will, gonna need lots more help before this project is finished, this forum is a great resource with lots of great contributors!