Johnson 88

[dsujen]

There is a johnson vj88mslccc for sale. No controls, hasn't run in 4 years, from nj. What should I look for when I check it out? The guy wants $350 .

 

[flyingscott]

If it has compression and turns over smoothly would buy it and check the lower unit make sure no water in it. . it's a 1988 model just a 90 hp with no oil injection. It's a v4 omc good reliable outboard parts are very available for it.

 

[Faztbullet]

Compression is #1 check as this design is known for ring problems

 

[emdsapmgr]

I'd be looking for 90-100 lbs compression on it. Within 10% spread from high reading to lowest reading. If it's outside that tolerance, likely candidate for a complete teardown.

 

[TD_Maker]

The 88SPL was a tremendous workhorse...almost bulletproof. Some of the old motors even had trim and tilt installed. Check the compression, and also check for water in the lower unit.

 

[emdsapmgr]

$350 is not a lot of $. If you bought the engine and found it was faulty, you'd recover much of your investment by selling the lower unit (and the trim system-if it has one.) Still, check it's compression first.

 

[Chinewalker]

Also, might depend on how close to the coast you are, check for evidence of saltwater use...

 

[Chris1956]

If it is in NJ it is almost a certainty it will have saltwater use. NJ only has 2 lakes that allow OB motors, and they are both in the northern part of the state, and no where as large as the bodies of saltwater available.

IMO - saltwater use does not remove the motor from consideration. Look to see if anything is seriously corroded, and make your decision. That is a pretty good price...