Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

[sssports]

Hello everyone !

On Saturday I purchased my first boat and motor, it is a 1976 River Jon, 16 ft. with a Johnson 70 VRO motor.

The motor starts and runs fine, however I have some questions and concerns for those familiar with this motor.

I cleaned the boat all up with a power washer, and on this site determined the motor is a 1988 vintage. I put it in a barrel of water to test it out, and have the following concerns, since I only had the water a few inches above the intake holes, I noticed that there was water coming out around the two retangular cover plates on each side where the lower unit is attached to the braket, also at a forward facing pee hole. Is this normal for water to come out around these two cover plates ? And secondly, the pee hole just below the motor cover fed by the hose from the engine block would not state peeing until I took the motor to higher than the normal idle it was set at by moving the carb linkage. Is it not supposed to begin peeing cooling water immediately upon starting ? Or shortly thereafter ? I am a machinist and very handy mechanically so see no problem with being able to replace the impeller if necessary, does this indicate a worn pump impeller ?

And lastly can you direct me to where I might get a owners manual and engine parts breakdown of this motor ?

This is a great forum and by clicking links was able from a fellow member and the codes able to determine that the motor was a "88" year.

Thanks for all your help in advance....well gotta go to work, will check when I get home, have a great day !

Marty

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Hi sssports

Make sure the water level is above the cavitation plate. This will ensure the water pump has plenty of water. The points you see water coming out are normal. If you do not know when the pump has last been changed, then now would be a good time. A Factory Manual would be the best. Below is a link where you can purchase one, as well as a link for diagrams...


http://www.kencook.com/evinrudejohnsonmanuals/ ] Manual[/url]

http://epc.brp.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdefault.aspx%3fbrands%3dej%26lang%3dE&brands=ej&lang=E&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 ] Diagrams[/url]


Or http://ishopmarine.com/ishop/jsp/AsplIsmHomeCcat.jsp?isFromCMS=false&hideAdd2CartButton=&isStandAlone=&is4CmsShop=&reqln=Unknown&reqem=Unknown&reqph=Unknown&reqFor=29&req4Browse=1&lvlCode=3&pCode=M0015660&path=BMC~A0000022~M0015604~M0015660&docId=&docName=&isForSupStore=false&cCatFilter=&eCatSupFldr= ] Diagrams[/url]

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Two very inexpensive, but easy to change items screw up many engines. When buying a used engine it is highly recommended that you change the impeller and the thermostat. Just because the water pump is pumping water does not mean an overheat will not occur. Thermostats frequently stick shut. On the other hand, they frequently stick open which means the engine runs cold and as a result may idle poorly. Lastly, check the warning horn operation. It should beep when you turn the key to ON.

 

[sssports]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Two very inexpensive, but easy to change items screw up many engines. When buying a used engine it is highly recommended that you change the impeller and the thermostat. Just because the water pump is pumping water does not mean an overheat will not occur. Thermostats frequently stick shut. On the other hand, they frequently stick open which means the engine runs cold and as a result may idle poorly. Lastly, check the warning horn operation. It should beep when you turn the key to ON.

 

[sssports]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Hi Silver Tip !

Thanks quite frankly I didn't realize outboards had thermostats, but thinking about it, it makes sense...duh lol.

I would suppose that is what I am seeing, a delay as the engine warmed up before the thermo opened up and the water started coming from the block hose. It seems to be pumping plenty of water from the lower pee hole that faces forward and also around the two retangular covers and once it starts coming out of the upper pee hole, it seems just fine as far as volumn goes. But as a machinist and welder I certainly know the importance of preventative maintenence, so I think I would have to agree that before next season I will get the thermo and impeller and replace them with new, also a new set of plugs.

Now I have one last question which I forgot in my haste this morning dashing off the post before work, I took off the carb cover and there was no air cleaner, and that I know is trouble waiting to happen ! But as I am totally unfamiliar with Outboards, I guess I will ask a stupid question anyway (no dumb questions except those unasked).....they are supposed to have an air cleaner are they not ? This motor appears to be in excellent shape and seems to have been rebuilt, the ports and butterflys in the carb throat look like they are very new bright and shiny certainly not what a 20 year old brass butterfly would look like no tarnish at all. So I am quite pleased with this purchase overall.

Thanks for the great answer I appreciate it !

Marty

 

[sssports]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Hi sssports

Make sure the water level is above the cavitation plate. This will ensure the water pump has plenty of water. The points you see water coming out are normal. If you do not know when the pump has last been changed, then now would be a good time. A Factory Manual would be the best. Below is a link where you can purchase one, as well as a link for diagrams...


http://www.kencook.com/evinrudejohnsonmanuals/ ] Manual[/url]

http://epc.brp.com/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdefault.aspx%3fbrands%3dej%26lang%3dE&brands=ej&lang=E&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 ] Diagrams[/url]


Or http://ishopmarine.com/ishop/jsp/AsplIsmHomeCcat.jsp?isFromCMS=false&hideAdd2CartButton=&isStandAlone=&is4CmsShop=&reqln=Unknown&reqem=Unknown&reqph=Unknown&reqFor=29&req4Browse=1&lvlCode=3&pCode=M0015660&path=BMC~A0000022~M0015604~M0015660&docId=&docName=&isForSupStore=false&cCatFilter=&eCatSupFldr= ] Diagrams[/url]

 

[sssports]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Rear Admiral,

Thanks so much for the links and the reply they are very much appreciated !

I made sure the water level was always above the intake ports, to ensure I did not overheat the engine....even kept my hand on the heads to make sure they were not getting too hot. I am glad water is supposed to come out behind those covers, as I was thinking that possibly I would need to get some new gaskets.

No time like a long cold winter to do the preventative maintenence now, before the upcoming fishing season.

Thanks again your quick helpful reply is much appreciated !

Marty

 

[mikesea]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

hello and welcome,regarding an air cleaner.there is no air ceaner,if you think about it,there is little if any dust on the water,however you did identify the air box cover which covers the front of the carburators,those 70 hp engines are fine engines,ive had a few,you will find most butterflys in the outboards do manage to stay bright ,why ,i dont know,as fellow boaters have suggested earlier,change your impeller,thermostate is a good idea as well,oh,and the lower unit oil.be sure to remove the correct slotted screws when draining the gear oil,the look identicle ,one at foward bullit shape casing and on starboard side higher on the casing,after draining,shoot your oil til it flows out top hole,replacetop screw first,which removes the air from entering when placing lower screw in,good luck

 

[sssports]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

hello and welcome,regarding an air cleaner.there is no air ceaner,if you think about it,there is little if any dust on the water,however you did identify the air box cover which covers the front of the carburators,those 70 hp engines are fine engines,ive had a few,you will find most butterflys in the outboards do manage to stay bright ,why ,i dont know,as fellow boaters have suggested earlier,change your impeller,thermostate is a good idea as well,oh,and the lower unit oil.be sure to remove the correct slotted screws when draining the gear oil,the look identicle ,one at foward bullit shape casing and on starboard side higher on the casing,after draining,shoot your oil til it flows out top hole,replacetop screw first,which removes the air from entering when placing lower screw in,good luck

 

[sssports]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Petty Officer,

Thanks much ! I do however have a question, not about which screws are the lower unit oil changing screws, but rather how does one "shoot" the oil in from the bottom to the top ? Do the lower unit oil containers have a nozzle or are made to shoot the oil in from the bottom ?

Sorry if I sound stupid, but this is my first boat and outboard motor, so although I am mechanically apt, I can't quite figure out mentally how I would pump the oil in from the bottom with a normal type oil container.

I understand your method, filling from the bottom would help elminate any air pockets when filling.

Also I have been looking at the prices of the impeller versus the whole pump rebuild kit, which is either $15 or $35 and think if I am going to take the gearcase off and replace the impeller, it makes sence to just purchase the entire pump kit and know that everything is spanking new pump wise, does that make sence or not necessary ?

Also should I purchase the lower unit gearcase sealing kit ? I was wondering about the gaskets when I took it apart, the gearcase seal kit is another $40 but makes sense to me as well to just go ahead and get all the seals and replace with new.

Thanks for all your advise, looking forward to your comments on my questions above.

Marty

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Hi Marty

The lower unit oil bottle will have a nozzle on it. You will squeeze the oil into the bottom hole until it comes out the top hole. While maintaining pressure on the bottle, replace the top screw (Vent) and then remove the nozzle and quickly replace the bottom screw (Drain/Fill). They do make a pump kit that makes it a bit easier, but I just use the squeeze method. As for the impeller, you are right to get the whole kit. It will come with a new housing and seals if it's a complete kit. No need to get a lower unit seal kit unless there is evidence of water contamination in the lower unit oil. It will look milky (Coffee with cream) if it is does have water in it. Then you would want to tackle that situation. Otherwise it will be black or some other color (Different brands of fluids are different colors). Walmart and other sell the lower unit fluid fill kit if you want one. And make sure to get news seals/washers for the lower unit screws. Dealer will have them...

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?keywords=lower%20unit%20fluid&session_id=085155388&cart_id=042277605&list_time=1165930115&view_id=47675 ] Pump[/url]

http://www.iboats.com/mall/?keywords=%20washer&session_id=085155388&cart_id=042277605&list_time=1165930398&view_id=271318 ] Drain/Fill washer[/url]

 

[sssports]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Fleet Admiral,

Thanks so much and especially for the links, I think I can handle just squeezing the bottle lol.....but it does look handy, and thanks for the bit about Walmart have the lower unit oil.

Are the seals you listed and what you mentioned in your post for the lower unit bolts or for the drain and fill plugs for the oil change ?

Thanks so much, you and everyone on here have been most helpful to me a newbie concerning how to care for a outboard motor, it is very much appreciated !

Marty

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Johnson 70 VRO Motor some questions if you know

Those washers are for the drain/fill screws...