1976 25HP Johnson. Worth a rebuild???

[Beebe4]

I posted a thread about finding aluminum chips in the upper piston bore (Thanks for the help all). After teardown the upper connecting rod screws were finger tight, and the retainer clip that hold the needles was busted. This caused the rod to hit the back of the block, scoring it. This is were the chips came from. My question is it worth rebuilding? The crankshaft is junk. (new one is $125) the main block is junk. (may be able to get one for $125 new if it's not a typo) Main bearings seem ok, but not sure if I should reuse them. I know I need a piston, but should I get a new connecting rod also?
Again Thanks.

 

[sutor623]

You will get plenty of opinions on this one........ Thanks for posting with an answer to where the aluminum shards came from.

My opinion? For by the time you get all the scrap parts for the 25 together, new piston, and full rebuild kit (powerhead gaskets etc.) you will be in for quite a bit of dough, and some definite time. If you plan on sitting the fall out and waiting till spring to fish, maybe a rebuild will keep ya busy? Me, I hate working on metal in the cold months. I also LOVE to fish in the winter. Lake/river is clean, calm and serene, and the big girls come out. Id want me a new motor PRONTO!!!!! Id just start looking for a working powerhead, or entire new working 25hp depending on which was the most cost effective.

Example:
This is a working powerhead of an '81 25hp (not sure if it will work) but they only want $149 + $29 shipping. Could have that powerhead on in a weekend, easy!!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EVINURDE-JO...116-/221847891615?hash=item33a72a2e9f&vxp=mtr

 

[Fleetwin]

That is one of the all time best outboard engines. They were the World Standard for RIB's/Lifeboats across the world. Worth re-doing-your call. Many still in service.

Piece of advice-DON'T hurry.

They can be a bit rough running, if not tuned correctly. But, durability was never an issue.

 

[64osby]

sutor looks to have provided a great solution. If it matches up.

You could also work on the block over the winter as a project and end up with a spare.

 

[flyingscott]

Sutors block won't work 81 was a 31 cube block 76 is a 22 cube block

 

[gm280]

Okay, I wish you would post some pictures of your damaged engine. I was watching the thread to see what actually happened. As to rebuilt yours, that is more of a personal decision because not knowing the true condition of all the other associated parts, it is hard to make a quality suggestion either way. I did rebuild a '76 40HP Johnson and it really didn't cost me very much. But then I didn't need pistons and case. So if you seriously like that engine, go for it. But if not, look for some type replacement... JMHO!

 

[64osby]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-JOHNSO...UDE-/331655997207?hash=item4d383ce717&vxp=mtr

Maybe?

 

[Beebe4]

Thanks guys. I would post picks, but for some reason I cant. One of the bores is scored in the block. The crankshaft is junk, and one piston is bad. The problem is the block is not available. Marineengine has one listed at $125 and 1 in stock. But that seems to cheap. As for the eBay posts, I have no idea what's compatible with my unit. A guy on Craig's list has 2 1968 Evinrude 35hp Lark engines for $400. One supposedly used and one not. The "new" one was used for parts? Any ideas on this? Again you guys are great, Thanks.

 

[Chinewalker]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-JOHNSO...UDE-/331655997207?hash=item4d383ce717&vxp=mtr

Maybe?

Nope. That's still the 31 cuber...

 

[Chinewalker]

Thanks guys. I would post picks, but for some reason I cant. One of the bores is scored in the block. The crankshaft is junk, and one piston is bad. The problem is the block is not available. Marineengine has one listed at $125 and 1 in stock. But that seems to cheap. As for the eBay posts, I have no idea what's compatible with my unit. A guy on Craig's list has 2 1968 Evinrude 35hp Lark engines for $400. One supposedly used and one not. The "new" one was used for parts? Any ideas on this? Again you guys are great, Thanks.

If they're Lark 35s, they are NOT from 1968. More like 1957-1959. Decent enough motors, and maybe worth the $400, but not compatible with what you have.

To make your existing motor work, you would need a 25hp powerhead from early 1970s to about 1976. Earlier ones will be set up for magneto under the flywheel, so you might need to mix and match the head and ignition bits to make it work, as yours has the coils on the head. 18 and 20hp powerbeads will fit, too, but would need to be complete long blocks as the 25 head would not work well on an 18/20 block.