Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

[CatfishMN]

Hi,

My dad gave me this 1976 Johnson 2HP that I used to use on a small rowboat when I was a kid. I gotta say it has probably sat for at least 15 years, maybe 20 since last run. The bad - was put up with at least half a tank of mixed gas in it, so I want to see if this is even doable with the built in gas tank being in rough shape before I start in on the rest of it.

I looked at some threads about cleaning gas cans/tanks, and every one seems to only mention a light 'varnish'. I have SLUDGE. Can this be cleaned out? If so, any suggestions?

 

[jmendoza]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

If that is a plastic tank you should be able to clean it out by removing it and lightly flexing the sides to pop the heavily caked on varnish off. Do a test on the outside of the tank to see if acetone attacks it, and if not, fill the tank about half way with acetone and that will soften and loosen up the varnish...give it at least 24 hours to do so. Remove the tank to do this and avoid spilling acetone on the painted surfaces and decals. Another alternative is to dissolve 1-1/2 cups of citric acid crystals per gallon of scalding hot water and fill the tank with this solution and let it soak a couple days. I add a dozen or so 1 inch drywall screws and shake the tank periodically to help loosen the varnish. This works on steel, and plastic, but it will eat up aluminum alloys.

 

[CatfishMN]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

Thanks. I will take it off tonight and figure out what material it is made out and post back.

 

[CatfishMN]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

Well, it is a plastic tank, and not as bad as I thought, everything should clean up nice. I DID stupidly remove the rewind starter bolt and was treated to an exploding rewind spring, so now I have that little nugget of joy to deal with as well.

 

[boobie]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

If you haven't got a manual go to shop.evinrude.com and look up the parts diagram for your starter. It may help.

 

[CatfishMN]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

Got the recoil starter spring back in its cage and working properly, so I was able to test for spark, and she'll still jump 1/4 with a strong blue spark. Carb clean/kit and fuel line cleanup/replacement is next, then a compression test once everything is back together.

Amazes me that there is no fuel pump on this little motor, just gravity feed.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

jmho.....but a compression test should be ahead of spending money on a carb kit and fuel lines.

 

[CatfishMN]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

Yeah, you are probably right. I just put the carb kit ahead of compression test because I have the cover off so I can't get a real good pull on it. I will reattach it and do the compression test first

 

[CatfishMN]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

Update: Did the compression test, 3 readings of right around 100 PSI. Let the 3rd one sit for about 10 minutes and did not see a drop in pressure. On to the carb, then we might just be set to pull her over!

Gas tank is soaking in white vinegar as we speak, but a pressure washing took most of the crud out of it. I plan on soaking it for a few hours, then power washing it again, then rinsing it with alcohol to purge water out of it.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

real nice compression!! well worth spending a few bucks on the little motor. and if there is space for a small in-line filter spend the few bucks and install one.

 

[CatfishMN]

Re: Is this salvagable? 1976 Johnson 2HP

Yep, ordered a carb kit from iBoats today, so I am on hiatus until I get it. The gas 'in' on the carb was one solid piece of varnish sitting in there, but I have it soaking in carb cleaner. The tank 'out' valve was in the same condition, but a few hours soaking, cleaning with a wire, then re-soaking and repeating has cleaned it up.

Would you suggest just cutting the main fuel line in haf and installing the fuel filter? How well would that work on a gravity system like this?