Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good motors?

[edauth]

Hey guys and gals I found a 1977 johnson 25hp electric start tiller steer for sale locally for which I believe to be a pretty good price, I am going to look at it tomorrow and will check compression and if it checks out ok(also, what would be acceptable compression, I know both cylinders need to be close and all, but I was thinking around 90-100 or above?) I think I will be picking it up, unless you guys tell me they are a lemon motor, or to stay away from them. I know you guys know your stuff so any help is greatly appreciated. thanks.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

It's a good motor. The electricals are sometimes annoying but still work good when in good condition. Otherwise, pretty much the same as all the other omc 25's---good, I mean.
As long as it idles nicely and cranks easily, I wouldn't worry much about compression. The compression I find on my good running 25's are somewhere between 115 and 125psi.
Remember, they all run good in a barrel. A lake test is best when possible, especially when checking for bad clutch dogs.
JBJ

 

[edauth]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

What would be a good price on this motor if everything checks out ok?

 

[Borgey401]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

Depends on condition..... What is the sellers asking price? I have a 91 Johnson 25 HP and it's a little beast. I love those little motors all though I would like to maybe upgrade to a 40 HP Johnson/Evinrude. I will never buy any other brand motor tho that's for sure.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

I picked up one of those that was sitting in a barn in the dirt with dirt caked all over it and mouse nests under the cowl. Paid $35 for it. Took it home, cleaned it up, set the points, surprisingly the wires and hoses weren't chewed up. Compression was good. Put it in a test tank and she fired right up and ran decent. Turned around and sold it for $150 without putting another cent into her. You will probably pay more for a running motor with new ignition parts, cleaned carb and new impeller. As was mentioned, depends on condition and what has been done to the motor.

 

[dew2]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

I picked up one of those that was sitting in a barn in the dirt with dirt caked all over it and mouse nests under the cowl. Paid $35 for it. Took it home, cleaned it up, set the points, surprisingly the wires and hoses weren't chewed up. Compression was good. Put it in a test tank and she fired right up and ran decent. Turned around and sold it for $150 without putting another cent into her. You will probably pay more for a running motor with new ignition parts, cleaned carb and new impeller. As was mentioned, depends on condition and what has been done to the motor.

I picked one up in the same condition a 1975 I knew the dog and f-gear were bad I paid $100.Shes up and pretty, running great But another $250 invested
Those 70s 25s seem to have gears and dogs that dont stand up as well as the newer models

 

[edauth]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

Hes askin 450 im not really sure what these things are worth, maybe what I thought was a good price isnt so good. He says it runs/starts great but doesnt idle as low as he thinks it should, possible carb clean/adjustment/rebuild.

 

[richdavis69]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

I just bought a 1975 25 hp johnson with electric start. it didnt run and showed no signs of life. cleaned points changed fuelline. and sea foamed carb. Runs god but putting in new points and condensers. Guy threw in a merc 25 needs work but no gas line I have fits . I think they are good little motors and in working condition see them go for as much as $800 I think $450 aint a bad price. YOu can go cheaper but expect to put more into it. Definetly try it on water and see how it operates at different operating temps. Clean the low idle jet out with a small piece of wire os similiar should be located in front of carb on top , may have lever to adjust with knob on front, clean that out good and give her a whirl. My 25 idles better than my 9.9 evinrude 1975 model

 

[lindy46]

Re: Possibly buying a 77 25hp johnson electric start, any known problems or good moto

Hes askin 450 im not really sure what these things are worth, maybe what I thought was a good price isnt so good. He says it runs/starts great but doesnt idle as low as he thinks it should, possible carb clean/adjustment/rebuild.

Sounds high to me. If it need a carb clean/rebuild, it probably needs other stuff as well. I'd keep looking.