Maintenance Questions for engine Guru's

[hooterville]

ok i have a 1990 48hp Johnson.
I want to keep this engine running as long as i can. I bought the engine when it was 2 yrs old and i was practically new(less than 10 hrs I'd bet). i hardly ever run the thing WOT,maybe 3/4 throttle puts me about 26-27mph.WOT 30mph

I rebuilt the carbs back in the spring that's all the trouble this motor has ever given me.

Aside from new sparky plugs every now and then ,new water pump, changing of lower unit lube, regular uses of sea-foam, what else should i do to my engine?

Is there any recommended overhauling i should do? new rings ?bearings of any type?
I don't mind spending a few $$$ on it since new engines run into thousands of $$$

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Maintenance Questions for engine Guru's

I'm no outboard Guru but if she runs good don't touch it..

Mine is a 1981 model and has never been rebuilt...still running strong.

 

[horseshoes]

Re: Maintenance Questions for engine Guru's

If it ain't broke don't fix it.leave well enough alone.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Maintenance Questions for engine Guru's

You're on the proper track maintenance wise. However, I would suggest that you take a compression test at least twice a year if you don't do so already.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Maintenance Questions for engine Guru's

the 48 is an excellent motor, i run 40's, 48's and 50's. they are basically the same engine. lower unit oil change before first freeze, always changing the seal washers on drain and vent plugs. checking compression and spark, and tell you if you are getting a potential problem. water pump service every 2-3 years. if you use it in salt water flush immediately afterwards.