looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

[zoli 16ga.]

Hey all, Im looking at getting a '68 3hp johnson in 'excellent' running condition. Just wondering about parts, particularily ignition parts. Would they still be available?

I hear they were a great motor?

I'll be paying $250 c/w manual, gas tank and hose.

Thanks, Don.

 

[Daviet]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

No problems, tune-up, water pump and a whole lot of engine parts still available. Those are cool little engines, you will enjoy it. Get the factory manual to help you maintain your engine.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

The common tuneup parts are available here at iboats. Most other parts are still available new, since these 3's were basically unchanged from the late 1950's until it morphed into the 4 hp. Ebay for everything else. There is always one being parted out there.

 

[JB]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

That is the best outboard ever made by anyone, Don. Love her and she will love you and your grandbuddies.

BTW, the "official" fuel mix is 50:1 because she is a post 1964 model, but most of the gurus here will tell you that she is pre-1970 and still has friction bearings. She should be run on 24:1.

 

[zoli 16ga.]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

Thanks guys! I sent the 'I'll take it' email to the seller!

Wish me luck!!

Don.

 

[nwcove]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

the "i'll take it" email should be conditional! not to be negative, but you should borrow,buy or rent a compression tester and use it before you buy. all the basic parts are easy to get and somewhat cheap, but if the motor was neglected internally, it might not be such a steal. ( i do agree with other posts......great little motor if its been looked after, and will be a great little motor for another 50 years if looked after!)

 

[zoli 16ga.]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

I will be checking condition of course, before payment, and compare it to the 'excellent condition' discriptive. Does the $250 seem out of line if it is in great codition?

Don.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

That would be the absolute top price I would ever pay for one, and that would be one that has good compression and a verified list of new tune up parts. Otherwise I would have to put 75-100 bucks into it immediately to get it up to where I want it.
(EDIT) This, of course, depends on where you live. Different part of the country get different prices for used motors.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

+1. Great little motor, but a little pricey perhaps. Even if it is in good shape, I'm OCD so I'd probably rebuild the carb and ignition and install a new waterpump, which is easy enough, but would cost $50-$75. Try offering them $150-$200 and see if they'll take it. Here's a handy link.

http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/Johnson/default.htm

 

[lindy46]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

$150 is about my tops for a running motor.

 

[zoli 16ga.]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

I pick it up a week from monday!. The price may be high by standards, but small motors around these parts (southern ontario cottage country) get sold pretty quick, so you have to jump at the opportunity or it's gone. The tank and hose are new, so that's a bonus I guess.

I started posting here after I bought a '51 evinrude sportwin, and finally got it running with great help from you guys!!! Should have seen my face when she fired up!! It runs great, but still needs a couple things tweeked on it, so I'll sell it to someone who can give it a good home to fund the johnson purchase.

Thanks,
Don.

 

[zoli 16ga.]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

This is the motor in question -



I do like what seems to be an extra long hose on it.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

Nice clean little rig. Amazing how well they hold up with short seasons and freshwater use only. Should be a nice little runner, and that 3 gallon tank should last for days.

 

[zoli 16ga.]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

Hey all, picked up the motor...I'll let the experts be the judge. It also came with a near new 3 gallon tank and new hose and fittings. It had one owner, a mechanic by trade. The only thing I see is the missing part on the right rear of the lower housing. It may be where the latch goes if it was a folding model, or a lay down support?? Any value to the original manuals and literature?

I have not cleaned the motor yet, this is the way I picked it up. Many pictures, here's the link - http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae325/Dolapsch/3hpJohnson1968/

Don.

 

[Daviet]

Re: looking at 1968 johnson 3hp

That's a real clean engine. With some TLC that engine will last just about forever, congrats.