General Johnson/Evenrude question

[GatorMike]

I know this has to be a common problem because I have owned 2 Johnsons and both had the same problem. I also know the piece is solid and really not a problem outside of looks. Anyway my steering arm assembly has turned to rust. Looking at the parts manual it apears like to remove that thing for cleaning and painting just wouldn't be worth it and it is in a place where it would be almost impossible to clean it up in place. The biggest thing I object to is I have one of those white Johnsons and the rust stains around that thing just look horrible. Has anybody got an easy way to clean that part up and paint it?

 

[OBJ]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

Take it apart and do it right Mike. That's the only way. Not easy and a very LARGE pain....but...your just spitting into the wind any other way. Wish I could offer something easier......I know.....several Longnecks going along with the job sould ease the pain.....

 

[GatorMike]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

Well, drinking is the one vice I don't have so I will skip the longnecks. I just searched through other posts on the subject and mine is not near as bad as some of those in the pictures. Basically the white paint has just started to flake off. I think I will try to clean it up and get a couple years service out of the one I have. Unless you think it really needs to be removed or replaced.

 

[Walker]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

That thing will last for years Mike. Its a bear of a job to replace. Tape up your motor and boat in that area and paint it with that rust killer acid stuff, then paint it white again. The paint job won't last but it will look better for a while.

 

[OBJ]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

Yeah...what Walker said Mike if it's just flaking off. Get yourself through the summer and make it a winter project.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

Yeah Walker, I had an old 89 that the arm looked real bad on, I kept knocking off the rust and it lasted forever. This one isn't too bad I am just wanting to make it look better and maybe prevent it from getting bad. But I do respect OBJs opinion. Him and Dhadley have steered me right many times over the years. That said unless he says yes it definatly needs to be removed I think I will take the lazy way out.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

Boy you're quick OBJ. Looks like the vote on this one is don't mess much with it right now. Thanks guys.

 

[OBJ]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

Well pilgrim...they don't call me "Quick Jim" for nothin'.......<br /><br />I got something great to go along with that but JB would find me and beat the snot outta' me for saying it......

 

[GatorMike]

Re: General Johnson/Evenrude question

Thanks Walker, looks like your suggestion is going to work like a charm. I flaked off the loose paint and any lose rust with a screwdriver and painted the thing with naval jelly, let it sit a half hour and retreated with naval jelly 2 more times. It is down to bare metal. May be able to kill that rust and repaint and get many more years out of it.