Worth investing any more into OB?

[Husky Jerk]

1985 Johnson 175.<br /><br />This motor was on a used rig I bought last year. Took it in this spring and dropped seven bills to get it up and running to be evaluated. Here's the scoop as reported by the mechanic:<br /><br />Good<br />Starts and runs pretty smooth...pees well...no leaks in the lower unit...shifts fine...tilt & trim is fine...compression was 70, 75, 70, 85, 75, & 80...visual on cylinders and piston tops are clean...newer starter and flywheel<br /><br />Problems<br />Leaks water and/or exhaust at the powerhead, exhaust cover, cylinder head water jackets, and t-stats...motor mounts are loose...ignition wires need replacing...control cables stiff.<br /><br />I finally got a chance to put it on the muffs and it's pretty much as described. It runs well, but I see leaks here and there. After about a minute and a half, I get an alarm (continuous, I think), but the pee water is cool and the exhaust water is lukewarm. The VRO is disconnected, so I didn't figure it to be an oil alarm. The yard didn't recommend spending the $ to fix it. They suggested I grab a manual and do as much as I could myself. I'm mechanically inclined, but just don't have the time. What do you think? Any guesses on the time and money to fix it myself? Could I part it out to offset the cost of replacing it? Is it worth a couple thousand to do a complete rebuild? Got a different suggestion?<br /><br />Any advice is greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[MCM]

Re: Worth investing any more into OB?

Hi, the alarm is the temp horn, how hot is the motor after it goes off. If its overheating and the water is circulating it shouldn't be cool or warm. probably a stuck thermostat. as far as rebuilding you need to balance the cost of the rebuild versus the cost new motor, a used and you could end up right where you're at all over. With a rebuild you'll at least know wher you're at, Been tossimg that same ? around myself lately.<br /><br />Mike

 

[Ponchojuan]

Re: Worth investing any more into OB?

A complete rebuilt powerhead is $2k. You could replace it in a weekend if you have done engine work before.<br /><br />I would tend to find the leak. It could be just the headgaskets. This would be a cheap fix.<br /><br />For $700 to check out your engine? Sounds like he might have rebuilt the carbs, water pump, etc.. You might be more than halfway to fixing the thing. Based on the cost of a new engine, I would start down the road to fixing it. Worst case you end up with a good running rebuilt you can sell for decent money.

 

[Husky Jerk]

Re: Worth investing any more into OB?

Thanks for the feedback. This would be so much simpler if I had the $ to buy an E-tec.

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Worth investing any more into OB?

I agree with Poncho... a t-stat and a few gaskets would be worth me knowing thats been done instead of getting into a newer version of the same old probs.<br /><br />Comp is good so go from there. start with the head gaskets.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Worth investing any more into OB?

You said you don't have the time to do the work yourself, but you mentioned parting it out. Parting it out, dis-assemblying, advertising, dealing w/potential buyers, packing, shipping, etc will take as much time as just fixing it, although money will be coming in rather than going out.

 

[Husky Jerk]

Re: Worth investing any more into OB?

PJ,<br />The $700 included replacing the flywheel, a minor repair on the crankshaft, and a couple other small things.<br /><br />DJZ,<br />I priced out the gaskets and t-stats at a bargain $50. I haven't done my own engine work, but the thought of getting it usable for next to nothing has me optimistic. Is replacing the gaskets within the abilities of someone mechanically inclined and can follow directions? I'd need to buy a manual...<br /><br />BB,<br />'Not having time' is partly because I'd like to get some fishing in Oct/Nov/Dec. Parting out the motor has no deadline. Ideally, I'd like to sell it off whole. <br /><br />Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[djzyla1980]

Re: Worth investing any more into OB?

Yes you would need to buy a manual... and the gaskets are easy. the hardest part would have to be gettin to some of the bolts. I would think that reletivily speaking.... with a manual, and the gaskets...and no mechanical experience.. you could get them done in a 1/2 day... one full one at the most. It's basically taking the bolts out, cleanin the surfaces, and puttin it back together.