New Boater With Old Johnson 75

[stal87]

Hello my new boating family. I inherited an old 1960 Wizard from my grandmother. Has a 1961 Johnson 75. Hasn't been on the water in over 15 years, and I don't know crap about outboards. First I got a new battery and pretty much re-wired the whole dash. All electrical stuff is working now (lights, horns, tach, etc.) I changed the lower unit oil, cleaned up the plugs, dropped her in a bucket of water, and all be darned if she didn't fire right up. Tweaked the idle-mix screws a little bit and she really does seam to purr like a kitten (in the driveway.) After a couple of minutes, it started spitting water out of the upper-hole, so it appears that the water is properly flowing through it. I'm anxiously waiting for a nice day here in the Black Hills to take her on a maiden voyage. I was just wondering if there is anything else an experienced boat mechanic would be sure to do before hitting the lake? I've been told by a couple of guys that the impellor should be replaced even if it seems to spit water ok?

I would appreciate all your experience and input. Thanks

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: New Boater With Old Johnson 75

Test run it first. Keep a look out on the temp. Don't spend money till you know what you have. I would have done a compression test first. If it is pumping water, do the test run. Someone will say water pump. That could well be a $100 for a dead horse.

 

[stal87]

Re: New Boater With Old Johnson 75

Thanks Admiral. I know the bulb in the "hot" light is good, so I will certainly be keeping an eye on that. If everything goes good the first time out, and I don't have a "dead horse," is there anything you would suggest doing before planning a big family weekend at the lake?