To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

[alie]

Hi folks,d

I have found an ad of a used Johnson 6hp, Model 6BAL77M, longshaft, with only 25 hours use according to the owner, last use was in 1995.
Since the owner lives away from town, I cannot check the motor onsite, but there are some pictures available.
Is it worth buying it (it is sold only about $400), since it seems to be a ~30yr old motor?
Will it be ok for at least 2-3 yrs? Would I be able to find parts? Or should I look for a newer motor?
Intended use is on a 21ft sailboat as auxiliary.

I would appreciate any response
alie, Athens, Greece
photo is attached

 

[JB]

Re: To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

If it has not been run in 11 years it needs some routine and preventive maintenance, alie.

Check compression for over 80psi and within 10psi of each other.
New impeller in the water pump.
Overhaul and clean the carburetor.
Clean and gap the spark plugs ( .030")
Drain and refill the gearcase. Check old oil for excessive metal filings.

If nothing is broken it should be good for 15-50 years of use with good care and careful maintenance.

Good luck, and welcome to iboats.

 

[alie]

Re: To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

If it has not been run in 11 years it needs some routine and preventive maintenance, alie.

Check compression for over 80psi and within 10psi of each other.
New impeller in the water pump.
Overhaul and clean the carburetor.
Clean and gap the spark plugs ( .030")
Drain and refill the gearcase. Check old oil for excessive metal filings.

If nothing is broken it should be good for 15-50 years of use with good care and careful maintenance.

Good luck, and welcome to iboats.

 

[alie]

Re: To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

Dear JB,

Thanks for the info and suggestions on maintenance.
Regarding spark plugs, what is the type used in this engine? Why gaping the plugs?

Regards,
alie ;-)

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

That engine uses Champion QL77JC4 gapped at .030". Spark plug gaps are not pre-set at the factory so must be adjusted before installation and occasionally after installation as the plug's electrode wears. Some people like to experiment with slightly wider gaps (up to .040") for trolling but for sail boat duty you should stick to .030".

Parts for that engine are widely available from both the manufacturer (now Bombardier) and aftermarket. They're relatively cheap as far as outboard parts go too. But you should check locally first. Find out how much that impeller is going to cost. Here it's $15-$25 USD for the part.

 

[91cajun]

Re: To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

I had a '67 6 HP johnson and it was a sweet motor. After you go through the waking a sleeping ouitboard procedure in the FAQ section you can easily run it on a homemade stand using a trash can filled with water. I wish I hadn't sold it.

My guess would be that if they didn't run it dry the last time they used it the carbs would be gummed up. Check all of the rubber for cracks, leaks etc...

4 bills is not a bad price but, since the condition is unknown I'd try to get them to come off the price or through in accessories.

 

[orcahead]

Re: To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

I bought a '73 Johnson 6hp last year for about $400 and while your mileage may vary, I personally regret it. While it was fun learning about how to dissasemble the engine, replace the head gasket, replace the impeller... I wish I had just paid $800 for a new engine. I already spent about $200 in tools, parts and much more in sweat equity. I'm on this forum once again to figure out why it's sputtering and has intermittently has no power under load -- looks like I have to buy a tach, timing light, and spark tester to figure this one out. The only good news is that the folks on this board are geniuses and generous with the advice. Hey... wanna buy mine for cheap?

 

[F_R]

Re: To buy or not to buy (an old Johnson 6hp)?

orcahead, com'on, you don't need a tach, timing light and spark tester to fix a high speed miss. A spark tester is handy though. I assume the other money you spent might include a flywheel puller and torque wrench??? Those things are useful.