Thoughts on a 1979 Johnson 175 horse

[blackhawkdc]

Hey all, I'm looking at grabbing a 1979 Johnson 175 hp outboard to mount on the back of my 19 foot bass boat. What are people's thoughts on these motors? Pretty simple and easy to work on? The guy says it starts, but can be hard to keep running. Thinking it may just need a good tune-up and carbs rebuilt. Anything I should look for on these motors? Its going on a 1986 HydraSports 19 foot bass boat, so I'm not overly worried about having the latest and greatest motor. I'm a mechanic too, so working on engines comes naturally to me.

One other question, what kind of speed do you think I could get out of a 19 foot bass boat with a 175 horse motor?

Thanks!

Seth Petro

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Thoughts on a 1979 Johnson 175 horse

The 175 is the 150 block with larger carbs. It's hp is crank-rated. Today's engines are propshaft rated. Considered as an engine with good torque. It could be a good buy if the compression is OK. I'd be looking for around 105 lbs on each cylinder. Check for water in the lower unit. Spark check each plug wire. Pay an appropriate price if it does not run perfectly-consider what you will have to put in it to get it running. Consider new impeller, carb overhauls and new thermostats for starters. You can still get parts (both new and used) for the engine, as the V6 crossflow was a popular model, made up into the early 90's. The original fuel hoses and fuel pumps were not made to be used with today's ethanol gas. You may want to examine the fuel hose system for possible deterioration/replacement. They are a simple engine and can be easily repaired with a factory service manual. Make sure you get the control box and the remote-mounted trim relay box, as you will need both.

 

[blackhawkdc]

Re: Thoughts on a 1979 Johnson 175 horse

Thanks for the info. I would actually be getting an entire boat/motor/trailer set up. More than I want, but a good route to go considering I'd pay as much for a motor seperately as I would an entire set up. So, in getting the whole set up, I'd have everything I'd need already there. And have a boat that I could leave it on for test runs and repairs before I mess with mounting it on my bass boat.

Thanks again!

Seth Petro

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Thoughts on a 1979 Johnson 175 horse

What motor do you have on your boat now?

 

[blackhawkdc]

Re: Thoughts on a 1979 Johnson 175 horse

The boat currently doesn't have a motor on it. It had a 1986 Merc 175 horse on it before, but the previous owner blew two cylinders out and sold the motor/controls for parts.

Seth