55hp johnson stinger? is it worth the price

[BIGcarpy50]

I have just come across a 55hp johnson stinger that the owner tells me is a mid 80's motor, he said that it has a new lower end and comes with a warranty, should i buy it for $500. and if so will i be able to find parts down the road when the warranty runs out. i know it's easy to find parts for omc motors but the fact that this is a special model i am concerned.

thanks matt

[Chinewalker]

The Stinger model never came as a 55hp. The first Stingers were actually V4s, back in the early 1970s, and were strictly for racing. Later, the name was used on the "hot" version of the Johnson triples in 65, 70 and 75hp flavors. The name was phased out in the early 1980s. The Stinger long shaft versions were no different than the standard version of the same horsepower in any given year, save for a jazzed up graphics package. There were short shaft (15-inch transom) versions that were offered for some years and those were actually unique in that they used a smaller gearcase for higher performance. That said, for the one you're looking the only thing "special" is the graphics package...
- Scott

[BIGcarpy50]

so there is no such thing, he told me that it was a lighter version of the johnson for skiing, and tubing, could he be mistaken by the hp or is he way off base and should i just walk away. he said that he use to run a marina but retired and is just fixing motors on the side from his old stock and junk motors. should i walk away?

[mikesea]

Parts shouldnt be a problem for the 3 cylinder.Is it possible the hood came from another engine and they guy is confused.You might try and get the model number off the round disk on top of the block if its still there.Is it an electric shift or does it take two cables being one for shift one for throttle.If its electric shift,I would stay away because those lower units are more costly to fix and parts may not be as accessable as the mechanical shift.If it is a good running ,clean eng.good comp.then 500 dont buy much these days and if it would serve your purpose,it may be a good deal.Certainly think about the shift type,ask what the compression is,also,dopes the eng.have power trim and tilt,if it does,thats a plus.The older hoods interchange with the newer yrs.As for standard electrical parts carb.impellers pumps etc.they are avail.

[Chinewalker]

The hood could certainly say Stinger on it and yet be a 55hp, as Mikesea pointed out, they interchange over a broad range of years.

If it is a 3-cylinder 55hp, it will be electric shift. The units work well, but are pricey to near impossible to fix if you need parts down the road. powerheads are solid and reliable across the full range of 3-cylinder models.

- Scott