Looking at 2005 Johnson 50hp

[sphelps]

Does this look like a decent deal ? Heard of any problems/issues with this year o/b ?
Comes with all controls and steering .. The guy said he checked compression yesterday and it was at 115 .
This is a 2 cylinder motor right ?
https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/bpo/5371819200.html
Thanks for any help !

 

[jakedaawg]

Yep, 2 cyl, 2 stroke, VRO. Very common up here in Mi. They made these for a jillion years in one form or another. Some will say the lower is not the most robust but I have only seen maybe three fail and they were in commercial use. The 40hp version was probably the most common J/E motor in my area for its run.

Decent price. Compareable to what I have recently sold them for. I have sold four in the last year and I think I have 3 or four left. The ones I have/sold were mid-late 90's vintage. Late model may be worth a little more if you find the right behind for the seat.

 

[jakedaawg]

Just noticed that it is possibly a salty dog. Prices in my area were for crystal clear fresh water motors that saw less than 70 hrs a year.

 

[sphelps]

Mostly fresh water around where this guy lives unless he trailers a ways ... I would be using strictly for salt .. He did not say what compression was on both cyl ..
Does 115 seem low for that motor ?

 

[jakedaawg]

115-120 +/- on my Snap-On brand gauges is usually what I see. I have done comp checks on over 100 of these twins, although they are usually ~10 yrs older. On that note my gauge is over 20 yrs old. The problem with looking for an absolute number these days is the prevalence of so many bargain gauges. People on these internets seem to be looking for consistancy as opposed to an absolute number to some extent. If you are concerned check it yourself with your own gauge when you arrive. If they tell you there is no time or whatever don't buy it. Also check spark. They are selling it for a reason.

Make sure it comes with controls and wire harness. I would also try to get him to send the system check gauge with it.

I believe the manual would call for ~120 with each being within 10%. Personnally I think that when you get close to a 10% difference you may be able to find an issue.

Sorry about the spelling, haven't got all muy coffee in me yet....

 

[jakedaawg]

I just mentioned this post to my buddy who is a 30+ year J/E tech having coffee. He seems to think they were 130 or so new.