Do I have a 'nice' engine?

[Saxist]

So I'm quite into cars and motorcycles. I know the various duds each company has put out for engines and the holy grails...

But I am entirely new to marine and I don't know a Johnson from an evinrude or any other makes.

I've been told by a few people I have a 'nice engine' but I also know there's those people in the auto world too....."oh it's a chevy? ThAt WiLl LaSt fOrEvEr...."

I've got an early 70s Johnson Seahorse 70 with tilt and trim. Really excellent cosmetic condition...no big dings and scrapes I see on other motors... It's going on a 1968 Starcraft 16' aluminum bow rider. This boat will be a family pleasure boat only. Mostly bobbing up and down in the water as we socialize, but occasionally having to roar when the kids want to get pulled on a tube. Might try water skis even... probably 4 people in the boat.

So. Did I end up with a diamond a dud or elsewise in-between? Does it fit what I want to do?

 

[racerone]

They sold a lot of them and they are a good motor.---Easy to maintain.---Newer models had better crankshaft material.----Thicker wall piston skirts on newer models.----Your model # is ?

 

[Saxist]

I don't know on the model number. Does the case decal help? To dark outside right now to check for #s

How does it compare to other 70 hps out there of the era? Is it going to do what I ask of it?

 

[racerone]

The cowling tells me it is a 1980 model.-----An excellent motor when it left the factory.----Condition is everything when a motor is 40 years old.

 

[Crosbyman]

salty or fresh water life...? it looks... cared for ...outside
if fresh water origins
wash it, grease it, change the impeller and run a good decarb product
(evinrude engine cleaner or Merc PoOwer tune) see how it runs ....on a fresh tank
then decide if more work is needed for it's new life with the kids

it may be fine like lots of 40-60 year old motors. .. but it is 40+

 

[racerone]

Post 3 pictures of powerhead with cowling off.