Older 50hp V4 Johnson

[BrianTindall]

Hello all, A good friend of mine is looking for a motor for his 15 footer (old boat). The thing is, it has a Johnson 50hp 70.7 ci V4 on it. It looks ok, just been sitting for a long time. Is it worth a rebuild/resto? I don't know the year off hand, but I may be able to get some info today while I'm there.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Older 50hp V4 Johnson

Hi Brian,<br /> If your friend is looking for a vintage motor to run and show off with on Sunday afternoons, then the 50hp isn't a bad choice.<br /><br /> However, if your friend wants a daily runner with turn-key relability, tell him to keep looking.<br /><br /> Those motors are VERY thirsty beasts and can easily swallow 6-gallons of gas in the blink of an eye. Also, parts are getting hard to find for them, particularly lower unit innards. The lower ends were substantial, but their longevity wasn't the best. There's lots of those motors out there minus the gearfoot for that reason.<br /> Also, for power to weight ratio, you can't beat a newer motor in that size range. That motor is a hernia weighting to happen (sorry for the pun). <br /><br /> They do run alright when set up correctly, and have decent stump-pulling power, although they're not neck-snapping quick. They're also fairly simple for a big motor and not hard to work on.<br /> Those are some of the pros and cons - hope it helps...<br />- Scott

 

[BrianTindall]

Re: Older 50hp V4 Johnson

Scott, thanks for the reply. He is looking for a reliable weekend runner. Given that the motor seems to be complete, I was wondering if it was worth it as a restoration project. Already planning for next winter!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Older 50hp V4 Johnson

Brian - You won't know until you try it. I wouldn't put a bunch of money into it at this point but you can try to get it running and go from there. I wouldn't bother with a rebuild if it needs it as there are just too many motors around that you can pick up for cheap that will be a lot easier on fuel and a heck of a lot easier to get parts for.<br /><br />The exception would be if you have a classic hull of the same year as the motor and want to do a "restoration." I can't place a year on the 70.4 ci. but I think OMC came out with the 50hp V4 in 1958. My mom had one on an 18' Thompson lap strake wood boat and I had a few good runs with.

 

[foxjohnc03]

Re: Older 50hp V4 Johnson

I have one of the 50hp monsters. Model # is 50514 I believe. It is very true that they drink gas like no other. Plan on staying close to a marina or bringing multiple gas tanks. The carbs are difficult to work on and the lower end is screwy but they are a good motor when maintained. Plan on bringing a spare battery, because when the first finally dies, you will pull every muscle in your back trying to pull start it. Don't know why the put a pull cord on it anyway. I have lifted it off the back of the boat a few times and let me tell you, it is not easy. Dont know exactly how much it weighs but it cant be less than 200-250.

 

[rwise]

Re: Older 50hp V4 Johnson

I also have one (50514) they do like gas. The OEM manual that comes with it (new of course) says to use WOT to get on plane the drop back to 3/4 throtle to get fuel economy. They would pull a tanker!<br />Richard

 

[BrianTindall]

Re: Older 50hp V4 Johnson

Glad to here there are some still kicking. I don't know what the guy is going to do, but I wouldn't mind getting the engine from him as a resto project (like I don't have enough now!).