need opinion on johnson 70HP

[shorty28]

Does anyone have an opinion good or bad on a 1997 Johnson 70hp 2stroke. Don't know when Bombardier took over, just want to avoid a trouble prone motor. Its on a used boat that I like. Thanks for any input.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: need opinion on johnson 70HP

hello<br /> in my opinion a well maintained 3 cyl looper jonnyrude was and is probably the best motor ever built. some had the occasional problem but then all manufactures did. I have seen many commercial crabbers run 70's for 8 -9 years and finally wear out the cyl sleeve. its amazing. the only 2 2 strokes I have ever seen worn out were 70 OMC's. one wore the cyl sleeves so bad that I had to cut a ridge when removing the pistons and the other wore the upper crankshaft bearing journal after 8 years or so of 3-5 hours of running every day except febuary<br />but if it has been neglected it willbe a nightmare at first.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[shorty28]

Re: need opinion on johnson 70HP

thanks for the response, the owner claims low hours, and that the rig was garaged. what type of neglect would create a nightmare. Assuming they kept good oil in the lower unit???

 

[walleyehed]

Re: need opinion on johnson 70HP

If you're in the K.C. area, corrosion isn't an issue, but waterpump maintenance, regular decarbs, oil type used (engine and L/U lube), was the engine properly winterized for storage,....these are the questions at hand that could affect the longevity of the engine.<br />Fuel system and how clean it is kept is an issue with the tripples, and as long as stabilizer has been used for storage, it "should" be ok....