I hope that this helps any Johnson and other OB owners out there.<br /><br />I bought my 70 hp Johnson new in 99 the dealers advice to me at that time was:<br /><br />1. Use only 96 octane fuel never 91 (only two grades avail here in NZ both unleaded) he said they have had engine failures caused by using 91 octane and keeping it for too long or else supplier has kept it for too long. Apparently after 3 months it is down to 85 octane. A neighbours 150 hp (Evinrude) died big time last summer - technicians diagnoses - using old 91 octane fuel.<br />One of the problems here I think is that small beach stores and marinas that sell gas sometimes don't have a big turnover and it sits in their tanks for a long time. They also often only sell 91<br /><br />2. Never tow another boat with it. He said drive shafts can't handle much towing of boats, skiers OK.<br /><br />Problems I had with the motor. (first 30 hours)<br />First problem - wouldn't idle, tech found a missing carb component - a small O ring on what I believe was a jet on top carb.<br />Second problem - engine hunting badly at anything over 3000 rpm - faulty float valve.<br /><br />Since 30 hours to 130 hrours<br />Third problem - rev counter died. Tech said this was a common problem since OMC contracted out making parts. Luckily still under warranty as they are $150 USD here.<br />Fourth problem - pisser flow erratic at idle and weak at speed. - took off pisser hose and hooked what looked like a piece of plastic lathe swarf out of the pipe. Went a bit better. Just had it serviced and tech replaced impeller because the face was worn down. I hadn't run it in sandy water so must have been installed wrong or wrong tolerance. <br />Lots of the components under the hood seem to be made in Mexico.<br /><br />For all these problems the motor never completely quit and now at last I have a warm fuzzy feeling about it. I believe they are basically a good engine but OMC didn't have their finger on the pulse with QC of contractor supplied parts. I hope Bombardier can make a success of OMC, it would be a shame to see a legend die.
