I just bought a 16' lake jon at a state auction last week and out of the blue yesterday I get a call from a friend I haven't talked to in months saying she knew someone that had a 1997 25 horse johnson for $600. I flew over there as fast as I could drive. It ended up being a 1977 25 and I talked her down to $150. I am sure I could have got it for $100 but I didn't go any lower. She needed the money and she seemed nice. She didn't know or care about boats, she got it in a divorce or something. I got a bill of sale.<br />Anyway, what would the mix be? Any things I should do before I try to start it? She said it has sat 2 years (Laying down on it's side). Looks pretty clean but that doesn't mean much. Is it a long shaft or short? Compression? Important specs?<br />Sorry for all the stupid newbie questions. This is my first boat motor that wasn't some small ancient turd. I have tools and mechanic skills just never have worked on outboards before. First thing I plan on doing is buying a clymer book on it. But till then I will have many questions I am sure.