1979 55hp Johnson Seahorse

[CanadianEh]

Hi All,
I have a boat with this motor that I recently purchased. In general what is the reputation of this motor? Reason I ask is that a one of the cylinders has been scored and I am considering rebuilding. Thanks in advance!

 

[vergil]

Re: 1979 55hp Johnson Seahorse

how do you know the cylinder is scored? (i assume compression test if so whats the #s?) whats the condition of the lower unit? if everything else was in great shape then i would probably give it a rebuild

Is the motor big enough for your needs? this may be the time to upgrade if you need to

as far as the reputation of the motor
my uncle had a sea horse i think it was a 90 sea horse, i believe it was a 79 as well, but he wouldnt sell that motor when he sold a boat, he would find a cheap replacement to go on the boat and switch em out, his favorite saying was "a boat is the most unrelible thing on earth, unless it has a seahorse on it", but from what ive always been told there one of the best outboards ever built (like ford vs chevy, or mayo vs maricle whip, etc.. i guess it depends on who you ask) welcome to iboats

PS... if it makes you feel better there is a ton of those motors still around here in these parts

 

[napping fisher]

Re: 1979 55hp Johnson Seahorse

Hello, where can one find out which parts are interchangeable between different years? I have this extact motor but needs a new powerhead.
Is it 73-79 is relatively the same and between 50 to 60 hp?
Thanks for your time.
p.s I know mine is scored because we took it apart and saw big gash and loose piston ring. Powerblock here is $1000, so its better to buy a whole motor and keep parts.