Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

[ronnieb09]

I'm currently looking at an 03 Johnson Bombardier 2 stroke 25HP long shaft, Model J25RLST. The research I've done so far hasn't turned up any major problems, but what are some experiences on here? THe only problem I've noticed with the motor I'm looking at is the paint is peeling near the top of the motor. I could get the engine for around $1000, which appears to be just under Nada value. Thanks for any opinions.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

Be sure to do a compression check.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

As far as I know, all the 2-stroke johnsons in the 90's and later were good motors. Could you give a more detailed explanation of where you see that peeling paint? If it's on the powerhead, especially the cylinders or cylinder head, that could be a sign of a bad overheat and cause me to not even consider getting the motor. Also, the NADA value on used outboards is absolutely worthless in my opinion. If possible, a compression test and a peak at the lower unit oil would be in order for that kind of money. Matter of fact, if I were going to part with $1000, I'd dang sure get to hear that motor run first. And I'd really want to run it on a boat. There's a big difference between how it runs in a barrel or on the muffs, and on the boat sometimes.
JBJ

 

[ronnieb09]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

Will do, I'll be taking my compression gauge with me tomorrow when we do the lake test.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

BTW, I own a '99 30hp johnson and it's been a darn good motor and still runs just like the day I bought it. It should be nearly identical as far as powerhead and lower unit to the one you're thinking of getting. I have 125lbs. on both cylinders but there's a lot of unreliable gauges out there.
JBJ

 

[ronnieb09]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

As far as I know, all the 2-stroke johnsons in the 90's and later were good motors. Could you give a more detailed explanation of where you see that peeling paint? If it's on the powerhead, especially the cylinders or cylinder head, that could be a sign of a bad overheat and cause me to not even consider getting the motor. Also, the NADA value on used outboards is absolutely worthless in my opinion. If possible, a compression test and a peak at the lower unit oil would be in order for that kind of money. Matter of fact, if I were going to part with $1000, I'd dang sure get to hear that motor run first. And I'd really want to run it on a boat. There's a big difference between how it runs in a barrel or on the muffs, and on the boat sometimes.
JBJ

We are taking it out tomorrow and running it under load. Here's a pic of where the paint is peeling...Picture quality is very bad

The seller claims he is the second owner of the motor, and he doesn't live near salt water for what its worth.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

That's really strange about the paint! I can't figure out what might have caused that. Either way, it won't affect how the motor runs. That is a well-built motor and if it has compression very close on the cylinders, and no water in the lower unit oil after you boat test it, I'd definitely think you've got a good prospect. From my experience, folks willing to let you test their stuff on the water usually don't have much to hide.
Good luck with your water test,
JBJ

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

actually, looks like it was stored tilted up, with the fuel line connected, and the carbs overflowed. cause deterioration of the paint.

 

[ronnieb09]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

actually, looks like it was stored tilted up, with the fuel line connected, and the carbs overflowed. cause deterioration of the paint.

Is that something that would cause any mechanical damage?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

no, just possible cause of why the paint is damaged.

 

[ronnieb09]

Re: Opinions on 03 Johnson 25HP

Compression checked out at ~130psi on both cylinders and LU oil looked good after running the engine for 30 minutes or so. Plenty of power, and started up on the second pull when the motor was cold. This will be a nice upgrade from the 15HP I have.