outboard problems 35HP Johnson

[rockstar55667]

I recently bought a whaler 13 with a 1984 Johnson 35 on it. I just (3 days ago) paid $971 to get the head gasket and water pump replaced. (on a side note, does this seem high? the mechanic claimed the screws were hard to get out, thus the high price) Now the starter is shot. I also can not pull start the motor and keep it running. It will run for a few seconds then die, and the primer bulb goes soft. The remote throttle also needs some work too (the insides are kind of messed up, but it still works). The mounts also need to be replaced, because when the motor idles or runs it wobbles about.

My question is, is this motor worth fixing? I'm kicking myself now for spending $1000 on the head gasket and water pump. But I was told that this is all I would need to get her going for a long time. Should I cut my losses there and get a new motor?

New motors are around $5500-6000, does that normally include the remote throttle? I'm looking at Yamaha motors, as I've had a small one that has never let me down, and I continue to hear good things about them.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[boobie]

Re: outboard problems 35HP Johnson

JMHO but if it was my mtr I'd get rid of it and get something else. That so called mechanic really put the "screws" to you. It's guys like him that give the good ones a bad reputation. For the money you paid, take it back to him and tell him to fix it FOC.

 

[rockstar55667]

Re: outboard problems 35HP Johnson

You're right he did screw me I think, he claimed he worked 5 hours on one screw that he could not get off. I know his price was ridiculous, doing business like that he just lost a customer.

I am leaning towards buying a new motor so I won't have to worry about a 30 year old motor anymore. I hate to spend the money, but I might have to. Its either spend the money on a new motor or continue to spend money on this old one I think.

I've heard good things about Suzuki outboards. Is anyone familiar with the DF40, and what they go for new? The boat is a '73, but in good shape, I think its worth the re-power.

 

[Gus-71]

Re: outboard problems 35HP Johnson

Hi!
I don't know what hour rate that mechanic has but if he uses five hours to get a fastened bolt loose without give you a call..... I'am speachless!!!
I would say that it is obligatory when a meanic got a sneakin suspicion about this or that are going to be time consuming, has to give the costumer a call about what to do. It is not his fault that a motor got fastened bolts etc..

Gus