Maybe leaving I/O world - looking at boat w/1989 200 Johnson outboard

[Blueghost924]

Yes, after a while of having and working on the ol Mercruiser I/O engine setups, I have seen a 21 foot cuddy walkaround that has an outboard motor I may be interested in. In talking with the guy on the phone, his boat has a 1989 200HP Johnson. I don't know the particulars such as specific model number. I am very new to outboards and very green as well. He told me on the phone that his Johnson will need a new starter and new power pack. I'm pretty well mechanically inclined, but again, I've been a Mercruiser inboard motor guy. Is there anyway to validate what he's saying when I look at the boat (short of buying a new starter and trying it out)? If he's right, I'm definitely interested in it. I would like the ability to check compression and give the motor an overall workmanship look before buying it. I know with the inboards, if the solenoid is bad, you can bypass it direct to the starter and turn the motor over. If the starter itself is bad...well....

Advice?

Oh, and I'm still not sure if I'm ready to cross over from I/O to the outboard world

 

[Chris1956]

Without a starter, it will be difficult to test compression. IMO, compression and gearcase condiition are the two most important factors. If he wants to sell that motor, he should be willing to put a starter on it. Aftermarket starters are available, and are a lot cheaper than OEM.

Just a note. I never had a starter go bad on a motor, unless it ran poorly (or not at all) and I burned it up trying to fix it. That may (may) be part of his issue.

 

[sutor623]

I agree. And he should also be willing to put a powerpack on it. If that motor doesn't have spark and he is ASSUMING that it is because powerpack is bad, I wouldn't trust it. Powerpacks are easy to get to. I'm thinking maybe there is something going on that he either can't figure out, or doesn't want to relay to you. In my past I have learned NOT to purchase a boat that I can't have a sea trial on. Too much could be wrong. I'd play this one safe if I were you.

 

[ondarvr]

A 1989 outboard that doesn't run has a value of about its weight in scrap aluminum.

 

[boobie]

IMHO. If you can't give it a good water test and check other things, DON"T BUY IT !!!

 

[Blueghost924]

Thanks - I have decided to pass! Like the saying goes "When you want something in the worse way, that's usually how you get it".