I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

[jamesgduratech]

I found a 1959 Johnson 18 hp outboard.... for a hundred dollars. It just needs a carb clean and maybe a tune up. I live near a boat store where they fix up old boat motors for REALLY cheap. Its about an hour away from my house. Do you think it's worth the $100?

 

[85 BOMBER]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

Does it currently run?? How's the compression? For a runner, I'd give 100. Non runner, I'd have to see it first. All-in-all, if a carb clean and a tune up is all she needs, I'D GO FOR IT!!

 

[Daviet]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

If the compression is good and the lower unit is not full of water, it sounds like a deal.

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

I say go for it....JMO

 

[kfa4303]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

If compression is good, all the rest can be fixed for $150 or less max., so I think it would be worth it. The 18hp motors are well regarded and very dependable.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

those are great motors. Like it's been said compression first. everything else can be fixed.

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

Its not running but the compression is perfect and the lower unit is perfect.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

The '59 J18 is ugly but still a good engine.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

That's really all that matters. Get a tune up kit ($25), carb kit ($25), some new spark plugs and s'plug wires and she should be good to go for years to come. You should be able to get everything you need here at iboats, and there tons of threads that can walk you though all the steps. Here's a few that may help. Good luck. Keep us posted!

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086
http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/columns/max/index1.htm

 

[nwcove]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

like all above said, if comp numbers are good, lower end is good, get it. (if you have any mechanical skills at all.......skip the repair shop and dyi! you cant beat the feeling of doin the work, crankin it over, and hearin it run!)

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

right now i am 11 years old and i just bought my first boat. so i don't really have any mechanical skills yet. but my local marina fixes motors like this for about $150 - $300.

 

[Daviet]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

No time like the present to learn how to work on it. Lots of people here to help you out with any problems.

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

yes alot of older johnson motors are ugly. like the 1963 30 hp that looks like an old tv.....

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

thanks for all the help and opinions!

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

11 yrs old......thats awesome!!! If you get the factory service manual...basic hand tools...there's not much you can't do yourself. When I was 8 yrs old my father started me out with an old Sea-King 5.5hp. I learned how to do the water pump coils, plugs, points...ect. These old motors are not difficult to work on. You post your questions here....you'll get tons of help. Way to go young man!!!

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

thanks. i do know how to replace spark plugs and possibly do a carb cleaning.

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

PS. does anyone know if it can hook up to my evinrude pimplex controls?

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

You should be able to. Do you have any pics to post of your boat and motor?

 

[jamesgduratech]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

my boat picture is my avatar and i can post a pic of the ad for the motor. i haven't bought it yet and i still haven't looked at it. i might tomorrow. my boat is a 13 ft aluminum runabout.

 

[mstahl1171]

Re: I have a chance to buy a Johnson 18 hp.

Very nice boat....love the old vintage stuff.