advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

[sailor_turned_stinkpotter]

I'm looking to buy a 70's era 65 or 70hp johnson for my 16 foot deep v runabout. They seem priced right and some of them have complete service histories including complete rebuilds. Aside from finding one with a service history, what are some of the things I should check for on these motors. eg, some are electric shift which if weren't maintained are big problems, some models have notoriously bad power packs etc, etc. I've got a compression tester and am fairly mechanically literate.<br />Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated,<br />thanks, dave.

 

[sloopy]

Re: advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

you can find a good one on this sight always check for rust ect ect. I'm not going to say much because your an X sailor and that makes me sad

 

[BillP]

Re: advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

Get the latest year your pocketbook can afford...these got better to best as the years rolled on. Stay away from the elec shift.

 

[ob]

Re: advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

BillP gives good advice.While the early 70's models were considered good motors of their time ,parts for these are more difficult to locate.Get the latest model one that you can afford unless you just like to tinker and don't mind searching for parts.

 

[sailor_turned_stinkpotter]

Re: advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

Don't worry sloopy, I've still got a sailboat, but I've "discovered" the world of power boating, shall we say. And from your interesting signature, you may find it intersting the auxillary on my trailer sailor is an old chrysler 6hp.......<br />Which actually reminds me, the starter cord doesn'nt self wind all the way back in anymore...is that a shot recoil spring or just some sort of adjustment I cant see?

 

[sailor_turned_stinkpotter]

Re: advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

Thanks OB, I just finished overhauling a 1963 Johnson Electric start that was bolted on the back of the boat when I bought it (Many thanks to Mr. Joe Reeves who walked me through the many processes on the Mastertech board(<br />But even though the thing was running like new I sold it because my wife refused to go out with a motor ten years older than she is...<br />As I've discovered by working on the 63 40hp parts for old omc's are abundant here in Auckland where I'm living and working right now (I miss cali(<br />Hence the decision for the 70s 65 or 70hp.

 

[ob]

Re: advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

sailor,If you've got a source for abundant parts to keep the ole Johnny going then go for it.My wife isn't real keen about riding around in my 54'F100 pickup much either and it's only one year older than she is.

 

[Autotech]

Re: advice on 70's era 65 to 70hp johnnyrudes

Salior<br />Iv'e had one of the 65hp johnnies for 23 years all the kids learned to ski behind it so its got 10 gazillion hours on it all I every did to was tune ups and pump empellers it really has been a good one. Finally died last year and I am in the process of overhauling and using standard pistons, no block wear. 1972-1973 are tough to find parts for but they are still out there. the guys on this forum were a great help in finding parts.<br />Just my opinion though