I have an 1986 Johnson 88hp O.B.

[milmat1]

On my recently aquired Sunbird bowrider that I am converting to a fishing boat for the lake.
I rode in this boat last year with the PO and the old motor impressed me as it ran very good and very strong. I understand there can be problems when trying to find parts etc. But in general it seems like a good engine .(??)
I have rewired the boat and cleaned up the nasty wiring in the engine compartment. However I would like to check the mechanics of the tranny and lower before putting this boat to work. Any suggestions ???

Also the boat is VERY hard to steer ! Is there any use in trying to lube the steering cable etc. Or is it best to just replace the steering Rack/Cable..

 

[wilde1j]

Re: I have an 1986 Johnson 88hp O.B.

Easy to get parts for that motor.

Disconnect the steering and then see if the motor swings freely. If it does, the steering is bad. If it doesn't, the swivel tube may have a lot of corrosion and perhaps not much grease.

If the problem is in the steering, most of the time replacing the cable is the best course of action, particularly if the boat has been in a salt environment. There's no way to get lube far enough into the cable to be worthwhile, but the helm usually doesn't need to be replaced if you can get the cable only. Some steering systems are so old, replacing the whole thing is the only way.

There is no "tranny" on an outboard, just a lower unit. It needs gear oil changed typically once a year. That's it.

 

[milmat1]

Re: I have an 1986 Johnson 88hp O.B.

Thank You !!

It's the cable all right ! I took the end loose where the motor arm attaches and the motor swings free. And even with it unhooked I can't hardly turn the wheel.

The rod end that attaches to the motor will not come out unless I remove the motor though, It is too long to slide out without hitting the boat.