Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

KORMEGA

Recruit
Joined
Sep 10, 2008
Messages
3
Im thinking of buying a boat with an overheated engine that doesn't run anymore. Whats the worst case scenario that could be wrong with it? I don't know much about boat engines but before I buy, I'd like to know a little of what to expect as far as price range to fix. Thanks guys.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

Anytime you buy something like that, assume it is junk. Then if you get something out of it you are that far ahead.
 

KORMEGA

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Sep 10, 2008
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Re: Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

Cool, thanks guys. THe boat is an 84' Sportcraft Center Console 16ft. The seller said the engine overheated and hasn't been fixed. He's pretty much just selling the boat for 2500 but including the engine if wanted. I just needed an idea of what i would be getting in to if i bought it and decided to get the engine fixed.
 

BKS72

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 5, 2008
Messages
99
Re: Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

I just finished ordering parts to rebuild a 3 cylinder 75 horse that blew a wristpin bearing. I'm just over $800 in parts and around $150 in machine shop work. That's replacing just about everything in the motor with the exception of 2 connecting rods and the crank. Cheapest rebuilt powerhead I found was around $1300 without shipping and without them knowing what all had to be replaced in my block. No over heating or anything else, just one bearing eating it's lunch.

Probably would cost at least another $500 to $1000 if I had a shop get the powerhead and do the replacement.

Worst case is that you have a cracked block and entire powerhead is junk and you're into it for several grand for a replacement with installation unless you can do the work yourself. But again, if the block and crank are junk, it quickly becomes just about cheaper to get the remanufactured powerhead from what I found in researching mine.

At the least, pull the sparkplugs and take a look at the pistons for damage and debris and if it will turn over check compression.
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

Im thinking of buying a boat with an overheated engine that doesn't run anymore. Whats the worst case scenario that could be wrong with it? I don't know much about boat engines but before I buy, I'd like to know a little of what to expect as far as price range to fix. Thanks guys.


I'd take the engine (free) and assume its a parts motor, but you could be pleasantly surprised if it works anyway....or is easily fixed.

If its blown I'd look for another similar 90 , theres still lots of parts on the blown motor that would usefull to you, carbs, elecs, lower end etc.
You could also part out the blown motor to offset the cost of another one.
Put the lower end on ebay and they'll be all over it like a cheap suit.!
Lower ends go for $500 here, tilt trim unit easily fetches $400.
 

KORMEGA

Recruit
Joined
Sep 10, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

Cool, he's including the motor and power trim/tilt for that price so i guess it's a good deal. The boat is nice too. I just want to get out on the bay this fall before it gets too cold.
 

Benny1963

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 17, 2006
Messages
1,476
Re: Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

offer him much less assume the motor is junk then you can tear it down and send block to machine shop then you will have a starting point as far as motor condition as far as rebuild gos 2500 hundred around here will buy you a decent running 16ft center console .but if boat and trailer are spotless
then jump on it
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Worst Case Scenario 90hp Johnson overheat

Assume motor is junk, part it out, buy running replacement, put on boat, finish season.
 
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