Fresh Rebuild vs. 10 years newer engine

[NJCoastFlyFish]

I thought I read a post along these lines recently but can't find it? Maybe I was hallucinating-<br /><br />If you had to pick between a 70hp johnson 1979 with a fresh powerhead or a 1989 johnson with same powerhead as the day bought, what would you go with?<br /><br />I remember reading that that fact that an engine needed a new powerhead says it isn't funcioning as efficient as one that is still going strong, but this engine with the new powerhead is almost 30 yeard old and the 89 could be just about to blow. But all the components of the 89 have a 10 year advantage on the 79 (except powerhead)

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Fresh Rebuild vs. 10 years newer engine

I believe that if i knew the history of the 89' model and it was good history, I would have to go with it. Technology changes so fast these days, that the 10 year advantage, plus all the other parts that would be much newer, would be the deciding factors. Lower unit, electronics, Etc. would be much newer also and less likely to fail, in my opinion.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fresh Rebuild vs. 10 years newer engine

a lot of variables. cost factor, you know the maint. your lower unit has had, is it about to go, or is it in good shape. the 89 may have never had any maint. i know a lot of engine that have never had an oil change. just gas up and go, till it quits.

 

[JB]

Re: Fresh Rebuild vs. 10 years newer engine

Seventeen years or 27 years. Two engines that may be in superb shape or may be about to be junk.<br /><br />Compression tests, particularly on the '89, and dyno runs on both might seperate them or might not.<br /><br />I view them as two used engines of about equal worth and about equal risk.<br /><br />That means that I would buy the better price.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Fresh Rebuild vs. 10 years newer engine

If the 89 is a 70 hp also remember that you're not really comparing apples to apples. Yes, they're both 3 cylinder motors but one is a 49 cid and the other is a 56 cid.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Fresh Rebuild vs. 10 years newer engine

I think corrosion would have to be factored into it also.<br /><br />Mark