Rebuild Time

[scatgo]

Any recommendations as to who should rebuild my 1980 35 HP Johnson? There are a couple of people who advertise on there marine websites for a rebuild for about a thousands dollars.

 

[gm280]

How about YOU! Ha, if I can rebuild my 1976 Johnson 40HP, anybody can...

 

[scatgo]

Ya know something i was going to do that. Just send out the block to be bored and fitted with new pistons and do the rest myself but the cost is almost the same with these people I am looking into and they give a warranty!

 

[scatgo]

Did yo have the cylinders bored? How did it all work out for you?

 

[racerone]

I know you own this particular motor.-----Myself I would suggest a newer version say 1985 and newer to rebuild.------Some improvements were made !!

 

[F_R]

Just curious, racer, why your preference for '85 and newer?

 

[racerone]

Better gearcase for cooling water pick-up and better gears ( taller pinion with 2 bearings ) and clutch with 3 dogs instead of 2.

 

[F_R]

The water pickup issue was fixed in 1980. You are correct, that was a real problem until then.

 

[scatgo]

What was the problem with the water pickup?

 

[F_R]

Until then, the pickup was on the front of the gearcase and we couldn't even run the motors on Florida lakes because water weeds would block the water intake. Redesigning with the water intakes on the sides fixed the problem and we could sell motors again. On my own boat, I have an '84 that I bought new in the box. It has never had a wrench laid on it except to replace the impeller occasionally "just because". I call mine the best motor I've ever personally owned.

 

[scatgo]

Hey FR. How may hp is your engine? Just curious.

 

[racerone]

He has the 35 HP model 1984.----Yes in the hands of somebody who understands " fine machinery " these outboards can out live the owner.-------I am going to be blunt here and say that many folks today can only " turn the key and go " with outboards.-----Just in the last week I took lower units off 70 HP Johnson outboards an 88 model and a 98 model.----Both had impellers destroyed by running them DRY and no muffs in the driveway.-------Hard to believe that folks don't know or read an owners manual !!