1992 Johnson 3 hp outboard model?

[da_q-ban_one]

Hello,

I just bought a 1992 Johnson 3 hp outboard model J3RENM, however I cannot figure out what the difference is between this model and the J3REN. I found this on the J3REN here on iboats:

http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Johnson__J3REN__3hp__1992/bpe/57e4972

but nothing on the J3RENM, and wanted to know what are the difference (if any), and whether mine is also a saltwater model?

Also, I'd like to have it checked and was wondering how much I should expect to pay for a check up. It starts right up, but that is out of water, so I turn it right off to avoid any overheating. I have not yet tried (in water) to see if it goes into gear and the prop spins...

Thanks in advance...

 

[JB]

Re: 1992 Johnson 3 hp outboard model?

The M is merely a manufacturing run designation. For our purposes it is identical to the original.

If you have started it dry you need to replace the impeller. That is a strict no-no.

 

[da_q-ban_one]

Re: 1992 Johnson 3 hp outboard model?

Ok, that makes me feel at ease. I thought I had some sort of manufacturer reject in my hands...

And the dry start-up was actually done by the previous owner, at the time of sale, to show me that it indeed started right up. Immediately after starting it, he would hit the kill button. After about 10 minutes of playing with the throttle and choke, my buddy and I were able to start it today, in water, of course. And it ran like a champ, popped it in gear and got spin, so everything seems perfect. How would I know, if I need to replace the impeller or not? Also, why did it take us a while to start it today, is it because I've had it laying down and not up straight (as it would be if clamped to boat transom)? And by down, I don't mean on one of its sides, ie laterally, but rather on its butt (where the two little black tabs are located), if that makes sense. I'm in the process of making a makeshift holder/dolly for when I have it off the boat, at home. However, would you recommend something for my car (sedan), to transport (the motor) to and from lake(s)/river(s), that possibly does not involve mounting a hitch bracket to my car? My buddy suggested a budget conscientious fix involving a bike rack and some straps/bungee cords, since it is not all that heavy. Thoughts...?

Thanks for all previous and future replies JB...

RT-