This motor has been sitting. What should I do to put it back in service?

[refractory148]

I have an 87 20HP Johnson. It has been sitting in my dads shed for about 6 years. When he put it up he just ran it out of fuel then he squirted oil in the cylinders and hung it in the shed. The motor was bought brand new by my grandfather and has very low hours. I would estimate that it has less than 100 total hours on it (way less honestly). I am restoring the old boat he had it on and want to put the motor back on. The motor turns over freely by hand (with plenty of compression)and it is not corroded at all. I am just not sure if I should just hook it up and hit the key. I prefer to play it safe. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also is this something I can do myself? Or should I take it to a shop?

 

[Hooty]

Re: This motor has been sitting. What should I do to put it back in service?

I'd replace the waterpump before trying to start it. <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[rolmops]

Re: This motor has been sitting. What should I do to put it back in service?

Yes,unless you don't know which side of a screw driver is the business end, you should be able to do this.<br />On the top of this page is a button that says "contact us".You will find a toll free phone # call it and explain your situation, ask for the right manual for your engine and you are on your way.<br />Good luck.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: This motor has been sitting. What should I do to put it back in service?

Those motors are pretty tough. I had a 30 hp 1989 Johnson and only changed plugs once on it. Always ran real well. Not sure if the water pump needs replacing with that amount of low hours, but it can't hurt. Not much to do except put in fresh gas/oil mixture(50 to 1) and make sure the water runs freely from the side hole when she starts up. Maybe change the gear oil if you want or at least check it.

 

[DJ]

Re: This motor has been sitting. What should I do to put it back in service?

refractory148,<br /><br />I am with the others that the water pump needs to be replaced.<br /><br />However, I think you can attempt a start with what you have.<br /><br />1. Get some fresh 87 octane fuel mixed 50:1 with a good TCW-3 oil. Mix one pint to six gallons.<br /><br />2. Drop the lower unit into a barrel and give it a go. Make sure the water is about half way up the leg of the engine. Clamp the engine tight.<br /><br />3. After starting, watch CLOSELY for the tell tale water stream that will exit on the right side (standing behind) the engine. This may take a few seconds. BY THE WAY-DO NOT USE STARTING FLUID!!<br /><br />4. If you get no water stream-SHUT DOWN, immediately. The water pump needs attention. <br /><br />Good luck, let us know what happens.

 

[jee70611]

Re: This motor has been sitting. What should I do to put it back in service?

I'm with everyone else on this one too. You can try to start it like djohns said, but even if you do get water flow, I'd still change it. Sitting that long has likely caused it to get hard and brittle. You don't want it to quit on you in the middle of the lake. I'd also change the gear lube. It's better to be safe than sorry. It also wouldn't hurt to take the plugs out and squirt some fuel mix in the cylinders and turn the motor over by hand a few times to pre-lube it a little. Definitely get a manual. Preferably an Factory manual if you can get one. They are worth their weight in gold. Let us know how it goes. Good Luck!! <br /><br />James