Used Johnson 115 HP?

[reelfishin]

I have been looking for a good but affordable used motor to repower my old trihull. I came across a used Johnson 115 V4 today, its in running condition, and a compression check shows 105 to 110 ps per cylinder. It seems to run fine on the muffs, and has a new prop. The current owner is re-powering with 2 smaller twin four stroke engines.

I believe the engine is early to mid 80's. The seller has the controls and all else I would need to set it up.

I don't care about the age, I just want a good running motor to get me through the next year or two. I don't go far and rarely see much rough water. If it turns out to be an engine I like, then I would consider freshening it up later.
The boat weighs about 1800 pounds. This is for a boat that will hold me over until I finish a redo of another boat, and I don't plan this to be a long tern keeper, at least not unless I decide I really like the combination. This boat originally had a 100HP Evinrude that was severely freeze damaged when I got the boat, so I have no experience with these at all. The hull is rated for up to 150HP.

What should I expect to pay for an engine like this, or any good used engine in this power range?

What is normal compression for one of these?
(Does readings in the 105 range sound ok or tired)?

Is there anything I should really be aware of with these engines?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

My overhauled stock 79 85 hp uses the same block, pistons, etc and has 125 lbs compression. Possible that some mid 80's V4's had different heads with lower compression.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

the v 4's are a proven good engine. not knowing the model # , get from seller, can't date the engine. a good decarb could possibly raise and equalize the compression.

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035563

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

The seller says it came new on an 1985 boat. I do know it was in used last season, and the owner is repowering with two new four strokes in place of a single engine. I think he got the two four strokes from a wrecked boat, and I don't get the feeling that it's due to a problem with the old motor, but since I am used to seeing higher compression reading on other engines, it makes me think that this may be pretty well worn? The seller wants $600 for it and says it runs fine.
I don't mind paying good money for a used engine, but don't want to deal with a tired engine this year.

A local dealer told me that the compression is way too low, and made it sound like it was pretty near the end of it's life with that compression. (The same compression gage reads 140 psi on a new Tohatsu I checked the other day for a comparison, and 155 on my Merc 500 50HP).
He also made it clear that I should stay away from these motors? His advise was to go with any of their V6 or inline motors, no matter which one so long as it wasn't a V4.
I don't expect one of these to be the most economical motor, but so long as it's reliable for a few years with normal maintenance, I have no problem wiith it. I'd rather pay a bit more now and not have to mess with this again for a while rather than end up with a lemon that needs a complete overhaul.

At what compression reading would you consider one of these due for overhaul?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

i don't know what brand dealer you were talking to, but, i've run V4 johnsons since the 1960's, i've never been into the crank case or lower unit of any of the engines i've had. i've got a 1988 88spl (90 hp without VRO) right now, and love it. i would not want one of the inline 3 cylinders, as the center cylinder gets hotter than the others, and tend to let go, any brand.

 

[hamburgerman]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

Where do you live I'll buy it . I have a 84 115 and other thab clogged recurculation lines (valves) It's been great! and my compression is the same as yours and seafoam brought it up from the upper 90's to the 115 the more this motor runs the happter it gets

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

After I talked the the dealer here, I couldn't figure out if he was being honest or just trying to sell a new motor. He kept pushing the E-Tec and saying that they will soon outlaw the old engines.
There is no way I'd spend that kind of money for a new engine.

I figured I'd ask here to get some real world opinions.
To this point, all of my motors have been Mercury and a few Mariner engines.

This boat is already set up for OMC, so it only makes sense to put one back on it.

I just don't want or have the money to do an overhaul righ away. If that were the case, I'd rather buy a cheap import for now, and just replace it when it dies.
( I did consider doing a pair of smaller motors, I could do that for a lot less than a new E Tec 115). That would mean all new controls and lots more work.

This being a single engine boat, with no back up engine, the one it has must be reliable.

I take it $600 for a used engine sounds like a fair deal and worth taking the chance?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

Like Tashdaddy said...go for it. 105/110 PSI is fine. Decarb it, it will rise. Just do it. (have 2 myself with same compression), and selling the powerheads with ZERO apprehension, and I don't sell junk.

 

[dreamchaser]

Re: Used Johnson 115 HP?

RF, the only motor ? hmmm not sure if i would go out with just 1 ......that being said i bought a 1983 evirude 115 last aug. it was priced right at $600 as well......and looked like it had been dragged thru the mud . got it home , let it soak for a while with seafoam , changed impeller, new wires, plugs, cleaned out the head covers ,, full of crud...everything seemed well till feb of this year then it lost a cyl ....pulled it apart now need a mild rebuild ...work in progress ....dont think this will inspire u .... but i took a chance ,,,, good luck .ps, gotta have a kicker to get ya home ...