WHO ARE SOME REPUTABLE REMANUFACTURED POWERHEAD COMPANIES???

mrecho76

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
38
Well my worst fear has become a reality. My 1996 Johnson 115 had an internal failure and one of the cylinders is scored, along with a damaged piston and head (seems like a piston ring may have broke). So now I'm faced with either re-powering with new (which is beyond my budget), re-powering with another used motor (which may have issues again), or replacing the powerhead (which is what I'm leaning towards).

So my question is this, where should I get the powerhead from? Anyone have any experience with any remanufactured powerheads? Or can recommend any reputable companies? I know they sell powerheads on iboats, but I don't think they do the work themselves and they're just a vendor. From what research I've done, seems like remanufactured powerheads can be extremely reliable if done right, but can also be a nightmare if done at a cheap "cut-corners" kind of a shop.

Any feedback will be appreciated! =)
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
You could try Flag Ship Marine in Punts Gorda FL. I know the guy that runs it and they do good work.
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
You can contact this phone 1-800-869-1686 on this website for info on a retail rebuilt powerhead. Outboard Recyclers (OBR) http://www.obrparts.com/. is a reputable remanufacturer, but only sells thru dealers.
 
Joined
Dec 1, 2013
Messages
6
I had the same problems as you: broken ring. Last fall I sent my 1984 Johnson 115 to a place called Boat Part Store They also operate as Tenkiller Marine in Oklahoma.

After I sent the powerhead in, I did a Google street view and it was not a confidence-inspiring picture. The shop was a metal building in the middle of nowhere.

The owner of the company, though, was very responsive on the phone and via email.

I got the powerhead back a few weeks afterwards and it was running nicely during the break-in period. The season ended before I could really test it out but I think it will be fine.

Along with the powerhead he included a comprehensive manual, a rebuild kit for the carbs and many gaskets. He may have included a new impeller as well.

Overall, I am pretty happy with the service, but I have to test the motor with 50:1 oil (instead of the 25:1 oil for break-in) and new plugs this spring.

Good luck
 

GA_Boater

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emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
We've use the OBR powerheads for years. Merc, OMC. Probably 2-3 each year. Good folks and solid warranty.
 

mrecho76

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 30, 2013
Messages
38
Thanks everyone for the feedback!!! I'll start looking into your recommendations!
 
Joined
Dec 1, 2013
Messages
6
As an update, I had a company called Boat Part Store rebuild my 1984 Johnson 115 V4 crossflow last fall. I have been breaking the motor in this spring and I am finally putting in 50:1 oil after running 25:1, then 40:1. The motor is running well and idles nicely at low RPM. So far so good! I'll try to report back this fall.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
As an update, I had a company called Boat Part Store rebuild my 1984 Johnson 115 V4 crossflow last fall. I have been breaking the motor in this spring and I am finally putting in 50:1 oil after running 25:1, then 40:1. The motor is running well and idles nicely at low RPM. So far so good! I'll try to report back this fall.

When you report back, start your own thread. This one is past the 90 day window and you are not the thread starter. Look at the Help Tips on top of the page. Having the PH rebuilt and buying a remanufatured PH are two different things.
 
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