1972 125hp johnson froze up

re613

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
31
I picked up a 1972 125hp, like new for its age, johnson outboard and was told it has been in storage for about five years and was only used in fresh water. This motor is froze up and I would like to know the best way to free it up? like I said this looks great for its age, I was planning to pull the heads and see what I can do there and to inspect what I can, mabey apply a little PB blaster and try and work it in or mabey a little heat, any ideas out there?
 

tx1961whaler

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2008
Messages
5,197
Re: 1972 125hp johnson froze up

PB Blaster. If you can, get the motor propped on its front, spark plug holes up, and spray the heck out of the cylinders. No need to take off the heads. Let it set at least overnight, and GENTLY try to rock the flywheel back and forth. You don't want to break the rings if they're rusted in. Keep respraying and trying over a week.

I would also take off the lower end (you'll want to replace the water pump impeller anyway) to make sure it's not the lower end that's locked up
 

re613

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
31
Re: 1972 125hp johnson froze up

Hello again, The person I purchased this from did put some oil in the cylinders and I thought the PB would have been better, I will put some in this evening.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1972 125hp johnson froze up

remove spark plugs. try to turn flywheel. if no turn, drop lower unit, then try to turn again. determine which is froze up. power head or lower unit. if lower had water in it, it would keep the motor from turning.
 
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