upgrading with an older 135hp

[big boat little motor]

I wanted to bounce an idea of all of you. I have a 19' deck boat rated for 135 hp and am currently running an underpowered 88 spl on this boat of a 1989 vintage. I am a normal guy that has a budget and an wanted to find a way to get better performance from the hull. I was trolling on craigslist (yeah I know there can be some real crap out there) an noticed that there was someone out there with a 76 135 hp johnson that was in pretty good shape (will be fully verified prior to purchase) but I wanted to know does it make sense to hang a motor on a boat that is over 21 years older than the hull on it? Additionally what is the overall reputation for a mid seventies 135 hp?

If I do this is there a clean way to change my user name?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: upgrading with an older 135hp

good motor, depends on the condition of the motor.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: upgrading with an older 135hp

The two engines are the same cubic inches but are rated differently regarding hp. The 88 is actually a 90 and is probably propshaft rated, the 135 is crankshaft rated. The 135 probably compares to around 115-120 at the propshaft. The 88 and 135 will both probably run comparably till you get up to 4000 rpm and above, where the 135 will breathe better and will outperform the 88. You will see some increase in top speed with the 135. The 88 may has some nice features that the 135 does not: cold start primer solenoid and the overboard telltale indicator. Power trim is a great feature-worth having-it may/may not be on each engine-but was an option with both engines. Obviously overall condition is a deciding factor. You need to compression check the 135 closely, check the lower unit oil and make sure the water pump and thermostats are in working order. I ran a 76 135 for a number of years and was happy with it-but that was many years ago... The 135 carbs use big jets and is a thirsty engine.

 

[crb478]

Re: upgrading with an older 135hp

I bought a used 1975 Johnson 115 off of craigs list and put it on the back of a 1990 boat after I got it running. The motor was cheap enough I knew that I could part it out and get my Money back if I could not get it to run and it had good compresson and a good lower unit as well as tilt and trim. I had it running, but not well in about 10 minutes. I have since stock piled an extra powerhead, stator, timming base and a few sets of heads that I picked up cheaply, mostly off of ebay. Parts are available but you may have to reasearch to find them, like the tilt and trim motor, or be paitent for used ones. Most of the powerhead and lower unit service parts are readily available.
I would prefer to have a newer motor from the 80' or 90's but so far this one is working great and has been very dependable. If it is priced right and in good shape I would go for it.