89 140 on the cheap

[matthewp]

This is a hypothetical question. First, thanks to everyone who has been so helpful with my boat/motor.

I'm running an 81 Johnson 115 - currently working the kinks out. It's old, it's ugly, but it's a motor in hand (not that an '89 would be much better). I may have an opportunity to pick up an '89 140 for $500. I haven't seen it, so no compression check yet. The VRO is still hooked up and working. Guy says it runs great. The price tag seems too good.

My question: is it worth looking into? What's the track record of the '89 140? Any major issues? Obviously, I'm not looking for go/no-go advice here, just doing a 'background check' of sorts. Thanks.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

Why don't you own it already? As long as it's a 20" motor (assuming that's what your 81 is) it will work with everything you have now. (You may have to buy a bigger prop) The looper V4s are torque monsters. Even if the trim unit was good or the lower unit, that's worth the price of admission.

In fact never mind, it's a bad deal. Where did you say it was? What's the phone number?

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

I'm with Dhadley. Why isn't it yours yet.

Don't forget, that 140 will be like a 160 or so compared to you 115 (or your 115 will be like a 90 compared to the 140). Plus it's a looper.

I'd love to have a shot at that motor.

 

[matthewp]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

uhhhh, I forget where it is. I think it's in East Overshoe, AK. Guy's name is Skimbleshanks or something like that.

Actually, mine is a 25" shaft, but so is the 140. I'm going out to meet the guy this weekend.

I'm new at this whole outboard thing. Looper is better than crossflow?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

Like Tackle says, you'll be amazed at the difference. When you get the looper set up right the thought will cross your mind that there is something wrong with the 115.

The 89 25" V4 looper uses a V6 style prop so you will have to buy another but no big deal.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

Well, actually you could use your lower unit if you wanted to. Then your prop would fit.

 

[matthewp]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

I'm not sure if the guy is selling it with a prop. My lower unit is a little suspect already - I'm thinking the extra oomph wouldn't do it any favors. On a side note, I also have a line on a lower unit for the 115 for $150 (with prop). I've got two props for the 115 already. Try and find this stuff all summer long. End of the season and it's pouring out of the woodwork.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

I'm new at this whole outboard thing. Looper is better than crossflow?

Yes, or so I've read here. I have a 1980 115 Crossflow.

Around 86 or so they change how the hp was rated. Your and mine are rated at 115 at the flywheel. The 89 is rated at 140 at the prop. Besides that, I believe the loopers make more low end torque.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

I just love my looper 140hp. Reliable and plenty of power through the range.
Unless it is lacking compression then it is most likely a great buy.

 

[mhg]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

I have just purchased a 19' CC key west with a 1989 140 looper
runs great, pushes the boat at 40mph (gps)
one important note is that some came with
"the large case" this is the v6 case and uses a 15 spline prop
some came with the "small case"
this is the v4 case and it uses the 13 spline prop
this drove me nuts the first 3 weeks I owned this boat
M.
ps this thing is known as a gas hog
but at that price it will be fine

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

Just a couple of things - the 25" motors that came with the larger case, it's not a V6 case. It's the same size as a V6 case but there are differences. The gear ratio for one.

And they are not gas hogs unless set up improperly. A 140 looper is known as being pretty good on fuel for the power it puts out.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

Quite happy with the fuel consumption on my looper on my outfit. Nice thing about it is that I can run at 30mph at around half throttle (3000rpm) which is a great cruising speed and be around as economical as a motor half the size running at WOT to maintain that speed. Nice thing is that there is plenty left to use as well if you need it.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

To mhg: Compared to my old 140 crossflow and the 150 crossflow, my 1988 140 Looper is downright stingy on fuel use.

I'm really surprised to hear that the motor has the reputation for being a gas hog because that has not been my experience at all.

 

[mhg]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

I will stand corrected
the local mechanics and dealers I have had contact with here
seem to compare it to the newer and more efficiant engines
I am still in the learning phase on my current setup
I do like my engine and will run it until it dies
before spending a chunk of change for something newer
thanks for the correct info
M.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 89 140 on the cheap

I will stand corrected
the local mechanics and dealers I have had contact with here
seem to compare it to the newer and more efficiant engines
I am still in the learning phase on my current setup
I do like my engine and will run it until it dies
before spending a chunk of change for something newer
thanks for the correct info
M.

Running it till it dies will be an extremely long time if you maintain it properly.