New to me Johnson 70hp 2 stroke. What preventative maintenance should I do?

[Paterson00]

Hi all,

I am new to boating and have recently purchased a glasscraft 5.2 bowrider. I am based in Oz in Perth and would like to know what I can do myself to help keep my outboard in good condition. I will be having it serviced on payday and checked over. It is a 1991. Any advise would be good. I am not great with engines but am happy to have a go at the basics and learn.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New to me Johnson 70hp 2 stroke. What preventative maintenance should I do?

Any engine that is new to the purchaser it is advised that you drain the lower unit and check for the presence of water and metal particles. Presence of water or the oil has a chocolate milk shake appearance indicates one or more seals has leaked. This is not a job for a novice but changing the lube is. Metal particles indicates something is going bad mechanically. Check the condition of the spark plugs and replace them if necessary. Run fresh fuel and always use a fuel stabilizer if your fuel is a gasoline/ethanol blend. Since you have no idea when the water pump impeller was replaced, replace it. If you have the lower unit off to inspect the impeller it is only logical to replace it. This is not a budget busting expense. Check for cracked or broken hoses, loose parts, and any other obvious problems.

 

[Paterson00]

Re: New to me Johnson 70hp 2 stroke. What preventative maintenance should I do?

Thanks a load for the advice. I have had a look on good old you tube for lessons on how to do teh things you say and I would be happy to have a go at changing the oil no problems but would still be nervous about changing the impeller. Im sure its a simple job when its going smoothly but without the experience... Ill keep watching the videos a few more times yet. Any other advice that you could give to someone who is new to boating would be great. Thanks again