Buying a parts motor

[bonz_d]

Recently came across a 1986-87 50hp parts motor I may be interested in buying. Seems to be pretty complete but with many issues. It comes with the power tilt and trim which is what I''m really looking for. The guys asking price is a little more than what I've been able to find for the price of a used PTT.

Here is what I know. The powerhead runs but has low compression, off 20lbs, on one cylinder. The lower unit has either a bad clutchdog or bad reverse gear. It jerks in reverse as he puts it. The tilt trim has one ram that doesn't raise. Otherwise everything looks very clean and doesn't look as if it's been over heated. VRO pump is also still intact.

The lower unit isn't an issue here and would still concider buying this if the lower were missing. Again I am really mostly interested in this for the tilt and trim. I have never worked on one of these units and don't know much about them though I've looked through BRP and it appears all the seal parts are still available. What kind of difficulties could I run into on this tilt and trim?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Buying a parts motor

Pretty much anything is available for rebuild if you are mechanically inclined and have a decent manual. Be careful that you don't end up investing more into rebuilding a used one with issues than you would buying a rebuilt unit with a warranty.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

I understand the rebuild part. Been doing it as a living for years. Just have never had the pleasure to work with one of these trim units.

Sense I've owned my 1983 60hp and moved up from a 35hp fishin boat I've found trying to raise this 60hp by hand is a lot more work and I'm not getting any younger. Also the 35hp had a shallow water position to where I could tilt it up and still run it, the 60hp doesn't have this feature. It's eithe up or down.

Also these trim units are not that easy to find and some sellers think they have gold in them. I have seen a small number of them for sale this summer but they either didn't work at all and they were missing parts. At least this one is complete.

I would think that with all the members we have here someone would have some experience working with these things.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Buying a parts motor

I am certain that you will have a successful rebuild especially with all the resources available here. Have worked on a couple myself on the V4 Johnsons so may be able to help if necessary.
Good Luck with it.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

As you said too the whole secret is in finding one that's worth putting the time and money into.

So just as a starting point with this one what would the most likely cause of one side of this be working and not the other? Blown seals on a piston?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Buying a parts motor

I would hope seals deteriorating over time but would not discount the root cause being some corrosion or scoring on the piston itself.
Guesswork at this point though.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

I understand we are just speculating at this but also realize that certain assemblies do experience recurring problems or have inherient weak spots. Again these are all new to me so I have no knowledge of exactly how these work. Do have a lot of experience with valve bodies and rams, both air and hydraulic.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

Actually going to look at it tomorrow, we'll see if I bring it home. Hopefully the tilt/trim will be worth the trip.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

Well this parts motor is now mine. The tilt n trim unit is off the engine, has anyone with a clue as to where to start? Besides now finding an OMC manual for this. BTW even got a nice homemade engine stand with this!

 

[KirkSpock]

Re: Buying a parts motor

Well this parts motor is now mine. The tilt n trim unit is off the engine, has anyone with a clue as to where to start? Besides now finding an OMC manual for this. BTW even got a nice homemade engine stand with this!

Hello
You should be able to find the manual on e-bay, the engine manual will have a section on the t&t and troubleshooting info

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

Yeah aleady located 4 of them on ebay. Now to go check it out and see if I can figure out the wiring to test the pump motor.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

Was able to get it up on the stand and connect up a battery to it today. Pulled the plugs and both looked good.

Turns over very nicely as it should. On the head in paint marker is 120 on top and 140 on bottom so I did a quick compression check and don't know what the other guy did but I got a consistant 145 + or - a couple lbs., gauge isn't very detailed between 140 and 150 lbs. So maybe this thing is in better shape than I thought!

Next I'll put the lower back on and pump some water into it, give'r some fuel and see if she pops.

Right now the oil line from the VRO tank is plugged off so I'll have to determine what's been done to that. Looks as if everything is still there and I do still have a VRO oil tank from the 70hp. Having a manual sure would be handy right now.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Buying a parts motor

Amazing is all I can say! Put the lower unit in it, hooked up a can of premix, pushed in the key and turned it. This "parts motor" popped over and started right up. This thing started and ran easier and sooner than my 60hp. Am truely amazed!

Now I will tell, purchase price for this 1987 50hp Johnson with tilt ant trim with a nice stainless prop and spare aluminum prop that also looks new only cost me $350.00 It didn't come with the VRO oil tank but I do already have one.

I am quite pleased to say the least. Now to find the correct wiring harness for the PTT from the motor to the remote and I'll be all set!