Needing Help on 1977?? Johnson 70 Seahorse

So first a little background. My father in law gave me the boat a few years back. I put in new spark plugs, gassed it up and put it in the water. Ran fine for a few trips out. Then it would not start good, then not at all. I thought it was starter at first, so I pulled it off and was going to get it checked, but here we are two years later, and just got around to checking starter. My buddy who is a mechanic said we could check it with car battery. So we hit it with jumper cables and the starter spun and wound to engage setting just fine. So I think it is good. Possible issue- stator. I tried to sell the boat a few weeks ago just to get rid of it. When the guy looked at the engine, he said that the stator was melting. He pointed out the black goey looking stuff dripping down from inside the flywheel(is that the right name for it?). So here I am. I have a couple of young boys who are wanting to get it back on the water. I've done a little engine work before, but never too intense, and never on a boat (other than removing starter). So any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Needing Help on 1977?? Johnson 70 Seahorse

Yes, if your stator is leaking it needs to be replaced. You are going to have to remove the flywheel to replace it.

Re: Needing Help on 1977?? Johnson 70 Seahorse

Thanks. I talked to a mechanic yesterday and he said just because it is melting does not mean it is bad. So I put the starter back on yesterday. I'm needing to get a couple of manifold gaskets and screws. Who has good prices and quick deliveries? Thanks for the help. I'm going to get it all put together, put new battery on, and start checking electrical system.