Johnson 9.5 on CL. Repair?

[Strecker25]

Hi all, this Johnson 9.5 is listed for $100 stating it needs the lower unit to powerhead seal. I have a '69 6RM i use for our 10'3" dinghy and that motor stows nicely in my transom locker, but when we're in port I'd like some more juice so I'd love to have a 9.5 in the dock box to mount up.

A quick search for parts shows that seal might be unavailable. Anyone know exactly what they mean by powerhead to lower? Is it PN 0312211 ? What are the symptoms of this seal being bad, I would guess leaking exhaust/raw water?

http://rochester.craigslist.org/bpo/5633513002.html

 

[Bosunsmate]

Theres a gasket under the powerhead that sits between it and the leg. This area is where everything going up slots into the top of the outboard, ie water and where everything going down-exhaust, hot water slots into the lower leg. If this gasket goes you can end up with all sorts of symptoms such as water leaking out the sides or worst case is exhaust pressurising into the incoming water intake heating that water up and also slowing or even stopping its flow.

 

[F_R]

In the first place, the seller does not really say what it needs. He may not even know. But safe to say, there are several notorious causes of smoke inhalation in the 9.5 motors. Some of them are a real challenge for a novice to replace. 312211 that you mention falls into that category. Fortunately, that is the most often blamed but usually not the real cause of the smoke inhalation problem. I can't advise you on the purchase. Are you willing to take a chance, and are you prepared to do some serious work on it if necessary? BTW, the motor pictured is an early model, not the best runners. They shake and vibrate so bad they don't like to idle. That was corrected in later models.

 

[oldboat1]

imo, that one sounds like it could be a frustrating time. There are a number of interesting motors -- 9.9 Chrysler would stow well, and there is one in the area, couple of Mercs..... Think you could do well for $300 and under, both J&E and others -- also a couple other 9.5s, if you want to try one. Think I might shop around a little.

 

[Strecker25]

Thanks for all the advice. I don't mind tearing a motor completely down if necessary, and it could make for some good fun this winter, but I think I will continue to shop around. What model/year did they get the idling issues sorted? I'll keep an eye out for them. The 6HP Johnson fits easily in our transom, but I do have to shimmy it a little to get the tiller arm to clear the opening. Are there any 8HP (or up to 9.9, but I doubt it) engines that would have a similar cowl/powerhead size to my current 6? I may ultimately go to davits that allow the motor to be left on the boat but it may not be until next year. Thanks again

 

[F_R]

I know the 1967 models had the vibration dampers, not 100% sure abut the 1966, but I think not.

 

[Strecker25]

Thanks. So I talked to this guy, and he measured it for me. He says the unit only weighs 56lbs, which is not much more than my 6HP. I have to check my transom locker, as it might even fit in there. Seems like a fair price.

http://rochester.craigslist.org/bpo/5635928850.html

 

[F_R]

Chryslers are pretty good motors, but under-appreciated. Parts can be tough to find, compared to the major brands. Some common parts like impellers are available here.

 

[interalian]

Chryslers - always the goat, but for good reason. The resort we always went to on Vancouver Island decided to go 'upscale' one year in the mid-70s and bought 6 12' fiberglas fishing boats and 6, 6HP Chrysler outboards. By the second season only 2 were running and by the end of the second season none were. They tried to keep them running by scavenging parts. Year three? They gave up the idea of renting boats.

 

[oldboat1]

I've had good luck with them, from the auto-electrics to '70s 105s -- some Chrysler-made sea-kings too. I currently have a 9.9 Sailor, and it has done the job with no issues. I think the little 9.9 has a fold-down tiller handle, if recalling correctly (may be confusing it with the old McCulloughs or Sears/Ted Williams versions of the McCullough.) Anyway, the 9.9 is a good little motor for stowing, and imo a good runner.

 

[oldboat1]

Wait a minute. That's really dumb -- big iBoats audience, some with Chryslers for sale. Awful motors. Terrible. Best thing you can do is give them away -- or sell cheap, cheap, cheap. Particularly the 9.9s and 15s. Particularly in my area....