maintenance on rk-28b '66 Johnson 40hp?

[teamphntm]

noob alert!

My sweet, sweet, 1976 15ft tri hull is getting major cosmetic and structural work done this winter, but I'm not sure what to do with my outboard.

I purchased the boat 4 years ago and have done absolutely nothing to the engine besides changing the oil 3-4 times a summer. I take it out fishing 40-50 times a summer. I've never winterized it ever. I live in MT.

It starts fine, idles fine, runs fine, and cruises ok.

I know nothing about outboards but have put aside around $200 for the outboard in my crazy boat makeover. Where do I start?

thanks guys! :redface:

 

[jbjennings]

Re: maintenance on rk-28b '66 Johnson 40hp?

Well,
I'd first change the water pump. Then I'd take the flywheel off and check my coils, clean and regap the points, clean the carbs if it wasn't running absolutely perfect, grease my transom bracket pivots, and use new lower unit drain plug and fill plug gaskets (I hear that's the no.1 spot for water intrusion into lower unit) that you can get cheap from any dealer. I would then clean my gas tank really well, and check all my fuel hoses and primer bulb to make sure they're not getting hard/brittle. If that engine is electric shift I'd be sure to use the correct lower unit oil (you probably already know it's special)
Just some thoughts,
JBJ

 

[teamphntm]

Re: maintenance on rk-28b '66 Johnson 40hp?

Thanks JBJ,
That'll give me a great start.