Getting Parts...

HollaGeo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 7, 2005
Messages
316
Just called up two local boat repair shops and asked if they work on Johnsons. They both said, "No". Reason being; that parts are hard to find. My engine is a 1960s/1970s Super Sea-Horse. Is there any truth to this???
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: Getting Parts...

A lot of shops decline working on motors much over 30 years old. Parts are generally available back to late 60's, although some are not available. Truth, not really.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Getting Parts...

The real reasons they don't want to work on it:

1. They don't know how.
2. They don't want to take the time to locate the parts. Normal service items are available. Other stuff is out there but you have to look for it.
3. They don't want to get started on it and invest a lot of time (money) and then have you say forget it, it's not worth it. It doesn't take long to invest a couple hundred $$ in it.

Join the Antique Outboard Club, www.aomci.org , attend a few meets, and get the "bug". Then you will enjoy working on it yourself. OR, pass it along to somebody that will appreciate it.
 
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1946Zephyr

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: Getting Parts...

The average outboard shop is clueless about getting parts for your older motors. Why? Because they would rather you spend a few grand on a new one. There are scads of sources out there for parts on your old gem. If you hang out with us, you'll learn about them and you can learn about keepin' er runnin good. The AOMCI is a good place to join up too.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,102
Re: Getting Parts...

I agree with all the other posters. Also, a lot of repair shops are motor dealers, and like you to buy new motors. I used to stop into a Merc Dealer for parts for my '77 merc. He always had the parts in stock, sold them to me at the outrageous Merc List Price (minus 10%), but always had a snide remark about working on such an old motor, and how I should get a new one.
 

1946Zephyr

Vice Admiral
Joined
Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: Getting Parts...

HAH! 77 merc? Old?? It's just getting broke in.:D:D
 
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