Need advice

[chads]

Need some help thinking it through.... I currently have a 1975 Starcraft super sport with a strong, great running 1975 Johnson stinger II. There are times I wish the boat had some more power, like when towing the tube or with a few people on board and getting on plane. I've found a mid 80's Johnson 115 V4 model that the guy wants $500 for. He says it ran good 3 years ago but has no way to run it now. He also doesn't have any controls for it.
Will my controls work with the 115? Should I just invest my money in a power trim unit so I can trim my 75hp depending on the situation on the water or should I take the chance on the 115 with original Johnson power trim on it? I'm having trouble thinking this one through so any advice is greatly appriceated! Is the mid 80's Johnson 115 V4 a good motor? Thanks!

 

[racerone]

It was an excellent motor when it left the factory.-----Your controls will work.----Compression test is suggested.----" ran good " means nothing to me.

 

[chads]

Can I do a good compression test on a motor of the boat and unable to be warmed up?

 

[racerone]

There is no need to warm up that motor for a compression test.

 

[chads]

Ok, I'm probably asking dumb questions but here comes another one. The motor in laying on a concrete floor.l, it has no controls or way of mounting it. doung a compression test seems like it might be hard to do. As it lays and long as the motor is not tight what is a reasonable price for it? In my mind $500 seems too high for so many unknowns with it but I really don't know what these things are worth. Thanks for the help.

 

[interalian]

If you can get it on it's starboard side (starter upward), you could do a compression test by jumping the starter to a good battery. All plugs removed, should see about 120/hole.

Or you could get a shorter prop for your current motor to use when the loads are higher. Watch your tach when lighter loads in play.

 

[racerone]

Take the plugs out ---Pull it over with a rope / starter cord on the flywheel.----Get the numbers of the test.

 

[jimmbo]

While the 3 cylinder 75hp is a fine little engine on a light fast boat, it does leave a bit to be desired used on heavier boats/loads. Propping is critical and preferably as close to 5800 rpm as you can get(range is 5300 - 5800). As for the 115... You are going to have twice the displacement so torque will be much greater, but the the fuel economy will take a big hit. The 3 cylinder loopers sipped fuel compared to the Chug-a-lugging V4s

 

[chads]

Thanks all. I'm gona try to get down to see it this week and do a compression test on it. Is there a compression number that is beyond repair? I have experience working on engines and such just not much with an outboard. Most of my knowledge lies with things that fly up in the air, not on the water. I don't even mind having to do some work as long as the price is right and parts are around. Is the asking price good if compression looks ok?

oh, and is my running stinger worth anything to sell? Thanks much for all the advice.

 

[racerone]

A mid 80's V-4 is just a sweet running engine if in good condition..----Check lower unit oil as gear repairs can be pricy too.-----I would rather have one of these for say $ 200 and give it a good overhaul.----Don't like " good runners " for $ 500 that still needs overhaul.

 

[chads]

Thanks again. $500 seemed a bit much to me given all the unknowns