need advice on 135 johnson

kylebl

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Jun 13, 2015
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Recently just boought a new boat 1979 16ft champion the engine is a 1975 135 Johnson. It was parked for 5 years. The previous owner said it needed a carb rebuild. So besides rebuilding the carb and flushing the fuel lines what else should be done before trying to run it. This is my first boat.
 

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racerone

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Not sure why folks pick on the carburetors first.---On that motor I would start with a compression test.
 

emdsapmgr

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Agree. Certainly you don't want to waste any $ on an engine with poor compression. You will need an automotive type compression gauge. Look for 135 lbs on each cyl. If that engine has any original fuel hoses still in place, you should consider replacing them. They are probably not ethanol compliant and will break down, causing debris to get into your newly-overhauled carbs.
 

kylebl

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The closest marin place is 100 miles away so I'll have to haul it there to get it checked for compression. Thanks for the help
 

racerone

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No, no,--------You buy a compression tester for $40.and follow the instructions you get with that.-------Cheaper than the gas to drive 200 miles !!!
 

V153

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That or go to Autozone, Advanced Auto Parts, Oreilly, Napa, etc. And "borrow" a tester. You'll have to pay for it but if you return it undamaged you get your money back.
 

V153

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I agree you should check compression first. But if that things been sittin for 5 years needing a carb rebuild? It probly really needs one now.
 

kylebl

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No, no,--------You buy a compression tester for $40.and follow the instructions you get with that.-------Cheaper than the gas to drive 200 miles !!!

Thanks I'll go see if I can buy a cheap one or "borrow " one like mention above

Definitely a carb rebuild. The linkages were All seized up but I got them working nicely now. The fuel lines look pretty recent and there labelled as alchohol resistent so I think I'm good there. Is the water pump hard to change out ? I was quoted 3 hrs labour to do the water pump and carb At $125/hr shop rate.
 
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racerone

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If you are willing to follow simple instructions it is easy to change the impeller yourself !----Where do the folks charge $125 / hr.------Have to move there !
 

kylebl

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emdsapmgr

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Once you determine the compression is ok, there are some "normal" maint items you should consider doing. All of them may keep you from getting stranded out on the water during your first outing. As the guys say: new impeller in the lower unit, new thermostat (called a vernatherm on your model) and probable carb overhaul may be needed. Also, the fuel pump bladder may or may not be rated for today's ethanol fuels-see how it runs/starts sitting in your driveway. You may be ok on the fuel hoses. I'd probably change the lower unit gear oil. Once you get these items tended to, you've got a good baseline established and know the general condition of the engine prior to running it on the water. You may be interested in the original factory parts diagrams for the engine. They are on the web at: epc.brp.com These are help fuel when ordering parts, as well as to see how these maint items go together.
 
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