50 horse Johnson in storage for 15 years...

[W.G. Frentz]

My father bought a 28 foot pontoon pleasure boat new in 1975. It came with a 50 HP Johnson, which served faithfully for many years. In 1986 the boat was put in storage in one of our barns, and has been there since.<br /><br />Pop says he remembers taking the plug out and shooting WD40 in the cylinder at the time of the boat's storage, (which he did every fall at the end of the boating season). One mechanical "expert", who also owns a marina/boat sales/repair told him that this was the worst possible thing he could have done and the motor is probably ruined (of course he was trying to by the thing from my now 87, and not-as-sharp-as-he-once-was Dad...We got him shut down BTW)<br /><br />Anyway, my teenage sons and I are wanting to get the old girl out of storage and fix here up. <br />MY QUESTION:What would it be likely to assume this motor will need after sitting for so long? Are there seals and other rubber components that might need attention or replacement? What is the best source to secure said components? Did Dad really trash the motor with WD40? Any advice/expertise is welcome...<br /><br />WGF < )))><

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 50 horse Johnson in storage for 15 years...

Go down to Wal-mart and pick up a new fuel tank and hose assembly. Fill it up with fresh gas and oil. Put a new battery in it, hook up the water flushing ears and give it a try.<br /><br />Chances are the carbs will have to come off and be dissasembled cleaned and reinstalled but maybe not.<br /><br />If it runs ok I would suggest a waterpump impeller change before hitting the lake.

 

[JB]

Re: 50 horse Johnson in storage for 15 years...

Hi, W.G. I agree with Yepblaze. I suggest that you also go ahead and overhaul the fuel pump and carbs as well as replacing the impeller before you go to the lake. In that much time anything rubber will become inflexible.<br /><br />WD-40 could have done no harm. You might give her another shot in each cylinder before you try to start her.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />JB

 

[NotoriusPIG]

Re: 50 horse Johnson in storage for 15 years...

I have never heard of WD 40 doing harm to an engine but I'm no expert. I would plan on at least a prop seal and waterpump, a complete lower unit reseal might be in order. And possibly a carb rebuild kit.<br /><br />Oh Yeah and a chilton's manual.

 

[W.G. Frentz]

Re: 50 horse Johnson in storage for 15 years...

Thanks to all! (A Chiltons manual...why didn't I think of that?)<br /><br />We'll give her shot!<br /><br />WGF