Johnson GT200hp 1986

[vtdochop]

Hello,
I am considering purchasing a used boat with this engine. Could anyone tell me if this model is dependable or what things I should be on the look out for ? Are there some specific questions I should ask of the seller? Don't want to be caught adrift if I can help it.
Thanks,
Peter

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson GT200hp 1986

All those motors are good, just bad previous owners.

I would bring a compression gauge and shoot for 100 psi and within 10 on all cylinders. Open up the drain screw on the lower unit and check for water, it will come out white and milky if there is. Have him run it for you on muffs or in a barrel and ensure it fires properly, better yet a test run on the water at WOT, noting RPM's. Ask him about his maintainence, such as water pump, plugs, carb rebuild etc.... to see what was done and how he maintained it.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Johnson GT200hp 1986

you need to check the transom .run compression check on engine
check lower unit for water spark test elec system and if at all possible
take boat for a good test run if they claim it is ready to go then you should be able to go for a long test run run the motor to wot if they dont frak out
see how boat handles and takes waves . if you feel comfortable
then take the steps above and any others that will be posted later.
see how well boat loads on trailer then check trailer for rust damage.
the johnsons are good motors if they are properly maintained
ask him about any maint that he has done water pump or lower unit
good luck bennyb

 

[vtdochop]

Re: Johnson GT200hp 1986

Chris,
Dealer ran compression test all tested 130 to 135 psi..sounds good eh ?
Peter

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Johnson GT200hp 1986

Did he just tell you that or did you see him do it? Normally those motors don't have that much. It's possible he's just saying that. If it does have that much I'd be curious as to why. You're bordering on having to run 93 octane.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Johnson GT200hp 1986

If it was me i would want to see the test done. Those numbers do sound too high...I could see 105 to 110 maybe..

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Johnson GT200hp 1986

Not to get off your original topic but as mentioned above when you are checking things out, give the transom special attention. A 1986 model year is prime vintage for a rotted out transom( if the hull is sAme year as motor) A 200 horse is almost 400# and a lot of thrust to go along with it. When I bought my boat some time back (1984 Wellcraft with 200 hp rude) I was not very farmiliar with outboards and didn't check the transom well enough. After a full season of boating/skiing/etc all with my family on board I discovered this site so I could educate myself on outboards and in reading of all the transom troubles older boutboards had, figured I had better check mine out more closely. Complete mush I can't believe how bad it was also can't believe the whole thing never ripped right off the boat. I ski very hard and was never babying it for a second, I feel very fortunate I didn't hurt someone or myself. So unless it is a smoking deal or you don't mind a LOT of work make sure the transom is solid or I might pass. I know I would have had I known then what I know now. I think my evinrude is almost the exact same motor as the one you are looking at and it seems to be very good it has never left me stranded anywhere. If you end up getting it I would reccomend a new waterpump/plugs/change lower end lube/and a good seafoam treatment to start with. Good luck......