New Motors

[Tommo]

mY 1988 4hp Johnson outboard recently seased. I took it to the dealer but he said it was not worth fixing. He had a Tohatsu 3.5hp in stock that he would sell to me for a fair price.<br />Would a 3.5hp be enough to replace my 4 or should i get more money and buy a new 4 or 5?<br /><br />Thank you

 

[Xcusme]

Re: New Motors

Ah yes, I heard that same diagnosis 10 years ago with a 9.9 Evinrude...I tore it down , after rings,pistons, rebore, it's running today. Not seeing your motor, or knowing it's general condition, I can't say you'd have the same results. I would get another opinion before I put the old girl in the trash heap. You won't have a clear picture of just where you stand until you break it down and look at the damage. I'm assuming the dealer didn't go that far. If he did, then it's your call on what to buy. You won't see much of a difference between a 3.5 and a 4hp motor.

 

[roscoe]

Re: New Motors

A lot of the smaller motors don't have reverse. Some don't even have a neutral.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: New Motors

Tommo, how are ya with a set of wrenches??????<br />You "could" consider rebuilding yourself in this case.....with a manual and a little help from the guys here, it could be a good learning experience, considering we're not talking about a 675hp V10, 40,000 dollar outboard here.<br />Best way to learn is "hands-on".....here's your chance!

 

[OBJ]

Re: New Motors

I'd get a manual and tear it down Tommo. Might be surprised how easy it is. And there ain't nothin' like knowing your own motor.<br /><br />Don't listen to Kenny....we'd help anyways even it was a 675hp V10.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: New Motors

My buddy has a 1986 4 hp Johnny that a dealer told him belonged in the trash heep. He wanted to sell him a new 5 hp something or other. We took the 4 hp apart, cleaned the carb, replaced the thermostat, and replaced the points for $38. That was nine years ago, and she still runs like a bear. Beware of a dealer who tells you to replace your engine without giving you the low down on the cost of fixing it.<br />Stalker

 

[DJ]

Re: New Motors

Tommo,<br /><br />You might be very surprised to find out just how a little part can make an engine seem siezed.<br /><br />Could just be the water pump impeller.

 

[alcan]

Re: New Motors

The thing to remember in this case is Dealers pay a lot more for rent and labor at there shops than we do at ours. A dealer would allways suggest a repair if he had slaves like us working for him.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: New Motors

On a side note, the Tohatsu motor is bulletproof. You can't go wrong with it if it was taken care of and the price is right..

 

[Tommo]

Re: New Motors

Hi, thanks for your help, i will probably now take the motor to another dealer to get a second opinion.<br /><br />Thank you all

 

[red10]

Re: New Motors

tommo i had a 50 johnson that i took to dealer and they said it needed a rebuild, i put a coil on it shes still runnin today, so a second opinion might be needed