Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

[Chinewalker]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

The '57 Lark is another good engine. Same basic design as the '56 30 with the bores punched out a bit to up the displacement. There were also upgrades to the wristpin bearings.<br /><br />Shortening the leg isn't a big deal and is highly recommended it you are running it on a short transom. Heck, I've probably got a few of those short driveshafts kicking around if you go that route.<br /><br />As for the tanks - be sure you know what you're bidding on! There are lots of single line tanks mis-labeled as dual lines or pressure tanks because they lack the hose and the seller sees the two nubs and assumes both are for a hose. One is the lock nub - the other is for the hose. All OMC pressure tanks will have the cartridge on top with the primer button, gauge, bakelite gascap, and hose wings (if they're not broken off). All OMC 6-gallon single line tanks will have the connector off to one side of the carry handle and will have the metal gas cap on the other side of the handle.<br /><br />- Scott

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

Paul: Yep, that ones been on my watch list.

 

[Gone]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

Thanks for the 'splain, paul. 72 looked foreign to me as I never used half of 144 before.<br />CD

 

[Mo Tick]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

Chinewalker, i cant tell from looking at it but the Lark looks to be a long shaft, my transom is 17". from what i see the Lark is the better of all motors..i think. <br /><br />then i found this one. it a great price i think but the guys feedback scares me.<br /><br />if you were me, and had a 69 14' starcraft rated for a 30 hp what would you do. <br /> Johnson

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

Hi Mo TIck,<br /> The 20 is a good motor, too, although it is not nearly as strong a runner as the '50s 30 and 35. It comes in a about 22-cubes, while the 30 is 35.7 and the 35 is 40.5. If you've got a light to modest load, then the 20 will be fine. I've run a similar motor ('69 20hp Johnson) and it handles my wife, 11-year old and I just fine on my own 14-foot Starcraft tin can. <br />- Scott

 

[Mo Tick]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

ok, this is the last one i will ask you all about. i currently have the high bid. i think i can get it bought REALLY cheap after emailing the owner.<br /><br />Please give me your thoughts on this one. 1969 25 HP JOHNSON OUTBOARD.<br /><br />Thank you all again for your opnions. i really have valued them and this board for helping me make the right decision.<br />Tom

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

they are good little engines, as with others tlc. Dad had on one a little bass type boat, electric start. no problems, strong runner.

 

[joaklay]

Re: Would you be afraid to buy this? added Another!!

As for the 50s stuff and being a guy with about 20 antique and vintage Merc and Johnson outboards, mostly 50s stuff, I can say that if you're buying a ~30 hp outboard for everyday use, odds are good that anything from that era used is probably going to need some TLC to get it fully functional as most have probably been sitting for years. <br /> Pulling a cord does NOT tell you how good its compession is and the term "tune up" can mean many things, usually means that it either doesn't start or doesn't run well. If not recently gone over, running, most 50s OMCs will need the carb gone through, probably new coils, points, condensors and maybe ign wires too and that's assuming its compression really is good. One can also plan on re-sealing the lower unit as well as its seals are probably NG. Unless you can do all that yourself, it'll cost alot to pay a shop labor to have it done for you.<br /> Another thing about buying on Ebay is that unless you can pick it up, S&H will be about $150 for a 30HP outboard depending on distance.<br /> I too watch Ebay but those 50s outboards that go for ~100 or so are usually in very questionable condition, possibly nothing better than "parts motors" when the seller claims to not know if or when it last ran.<br /> Ebay is definately a place where it's "buyer beware" and one can easily get burning if you're not sure what you're buying or who you're dealing with.