Can't kill it!

jitterbug127 · 2026-09-17T07:38:59-0600

Another season comes to an end and my 1980 Johnson 35 HP still runs flawlessly. I've been the owner 3 or 4 seasons now. Gear lube, new plugs every season, new impeller every other season. 0 issues. I've wanted to get a 4 stroke 9.9 for a while, but I'll continue to save my money. Motor is older than I am. I have no reason to think she won't last a LONG time.

Really just a thread to praise my old fishing motor.

airshot · 2026-09-17T08:45:45-0600

And with good maintenence it will probably outlive you !

Chris1956 · 2026-09-17T12:00:08-0600

OMC made their reputation in the 60s-90s. They made great motors. The big twin was one of those in HP from 6 to 40. They introduced new 2 cycle HPDI tech which failed. They paid the price.

Run your motor until it will not run.

Scott Danforth · 2026-09-17T12:34:58-0600

the motor will most likely be something your children have.

a 4-stroke will NOT last as long

arks · 2026-09-17T13:48:23-0600

I’ve had an ‘85 Evinrude 25HP for 16 years and counting. It’s on my fishing boat (not the primary boat) but it gets used frequently.
In all those years I’ve only tuned it and changed the water pump ONCE, but I do change the gear oil every couple years. They are bulletproof!

flashback · 2026-09-17T15:15:25-0600

arks said:
I’ve had an ‘85 Evinrude 25HP for 16 years and counting. It’s on my fishing boat (not the primary boat) but it gets used frequently.
In all those years I’ve only tuned it and changed the water pump ONCE, but I do change the gear oil every couple years. They are bulletproof!

Your pushin Your luck regarding the pump impeller.

jitterbug127 · 2026-09-17T16:39:54-0600

Absolutely 0 issues out of my old outboard so far. I love having an outboard that will start every time and run all day without fail. I run non ethanol gas in it and run the carb dry every time I'm done fishing. Pushes my old boat about 23 mph. Good enough for me.

jimmbo · 2026-09-17T18:45:03-0600

Back in 1980, we had the Evinrude version of that motor. I think we had it for 15 yrs. Had it on a 14 foot car topper

arks · 2026-09-17T19:02:19-0600

flashback said:
Your pushin Your luck regarding the pump impeller.

Agreed, but I keep an eye on it. As long as it’s pumping strong, there’s no reason to change it.

airshot · 2026-09-17T19:08:42-0600

Scott Danforth said:
the motor will most likely be something your children have.

a 4-stroke will NOT last as long

It might but the maintenance and repairs will exceed the value

Crosbyman · 2026-09-17T19:21:17-0600

this 9.5 beauty still runs perfectly to ! from the mid 60s paid $50 cdn but had to help the rings wake up !

jimmbo · 2026-09-17T19:47:54-0600

Crosbyman said:
this 9.5 beauty still runs perfectly to ! from the mid 60s paid $50 cdn but had to help the rings wake up !

1966, at least the Cowl is

Can't kill it!

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