'71 Johnson 60HP Maintenance question

[mike64]

I recently bought a boat with a '71 Johnson 60hp. This is my first boat & motor, so I don't know much about routine maintenance. My main question is, since those old Johnsons don't have a tell tale, how do you know if the water pump stops working BEFORE the motor gets cooked? I saw the post from iwombat in FAQs about adding a tell tale, but I don't think I'm ready for that (yet).

Any other routine preventative maintenance tips would be very welcome. All I know now is, run with a 50:1 ratio of gas/marine oil, always run with a water supply, don't rev the engine up too much on muffs, and get the motor properly winterized.

Bought from a guy who buys and restores old motors. He said he replaced the impeller and resealed & pressure-checked the lower unit, and got it running smooth. I fired it up with muffs this weekend, and it does seem to run great right now. I'd like to keep it that way!

 

[steelespike]

Re: '71 Johnson 60HP Maintenance question

The service/ maintenance question can be a little involved.Most service manuals have a section involving routine maintenance.You could try the library if you don't want to by one.Up to 25 pages of seasonal maintenance,trouble shooting,motor theory,propeller theory,spark plugs,general maintenance and trouble shooting.

 

[mike64]

Re: '71 Johnson 60HP Maintenance question

steelespike,

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, I was planning on buying a manual eventually. It's somewhere on the loooong list of boating accessories I've been picking up. Are the Seloc manuals worthwhile?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: '71 Johnson 60HP Maintenance question

the main thing you need to know is --- you have an hydro-electric shift lower unit. the gear oil for that unit is ONLY Premium Blend Type C Lower Unit Oil. it is only available at a Johnson/Evinrude dealer or service center. DO NOT put anything else in the lower unit.

Save this info for future reference, just in case you need it.

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.

 

[mike64]

Re: '71 Johnson 60HP Maintenance question

Thanks, Tashasdaddy. Great info, and I will save it.

 

[Chaz1]

Re: '71 Johnson 60HP Maintenance question

Actually I believe I have seen the type c premium blend oil right here in the marine store. It specifically said that it was for these units in the description of the oil.