Considering late 80's Johnson VRO - anything special to look for?

[ShoestringMariner]

Hey all, I hope everyone is doing ok. I'm looking at what I think is a 1988 or 89 Johnson 60 VRO.

This one is sold as is with a lower unit issue. It's currently off the boat and comes with power trim and controls. I wont be able to do a compression test but the price reflects the "as-is" condtion and hopefully has enough salvagable parts that I can use or sell should it be a total wreck.

I'm just wondering if there's any other things I need to be aware about with these motors. Do they suffer from the same exhaust manifold water intrusion issues that the earlier motors did?

Any other inherent problems with these motors that a visual inspection could identify or that I should know about?

What years are compatble for parts and lower units?

I know I'm taking a gamble but am hoping to go in with a litte more knowledge so I can reduce the risk somewhat.

many thanks in advance

 

[racerone]

A 1988 or 1989 model is NOT very specific.----Post the model # and then we fill you in on what is what !!

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Oh, sorry, I don’t have the model #. I forget that there’s many options.

This is one is recreational model, prop not jet, power tilt. And 20” shaft, 2 stroke. 1988,89 or maybe 90.

 

[oldboat1]

'89 to '94 had an overheating problem caused by or related to the location of the tell tale elbow. A compression check would be useful. If you can get at it and if the powerhead isn't locked up, you can probably figure out how to do one.

 

[racerone]

Is it a 49 cubic inch engine or a 56 cubic inch engine ???-----The 56 cube engines do not have that same 3 gasket exhaust manifold stack at all.

 

[ct1762@gmail.com]

Yes what racer said, because the last year of the glorious 49ci was 1988. need a model #. my 1993 60 has the telltale elbow at the top of the exhaust, my 89' 70 has it at the bottom. I guess they didn't take it to the dealer for the bulletin, but it cools perfectly. what's your take on that... should I relocate the 89's elbow? just drill, thread and seal it in?

 

[racerone]

The bulletin came out in 1994 , but there are still some motors out there where it has not been done.-----On some boats there is less air taken in with the water flow to the pump.----So it is not an issue.-----The mod is vey easy and I say it should be done.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Thanks guys. I was going by the hood and lower unit decal covers. Looks like 89-90. Picture looks like the tag was painted over. I can see an outline only.

See attached photo. Edit; see next post for photo. Could the rust on the head mean overheating burned off the paint?

I’ll bring a battery and cables and see if I can do a compression test. It’s coming with the controls so I should be able to hook everything up on the ground.

I think...

 

[ShoestringMariner]

[No message]

 

[oldboat1]

Pull the plugs, and just jump the battery directly to the starter -- pos. lead to the bolt on the starter side; neg. lead to the bracket. Crank only until the needle on the tester stops moving.

 

[racerone]

The picture in post # 9 shows the 56 cubic inch motor.

 

[oldboat1]

and looks like the elbow was moved to the top. The discoloration could indicate an overheating episode, so good if you can get a compression test (good if you can do that anyway).