old jonny

[68Dartman]

hey i hope im in the right forum.<br />just got a free 20 hp johnson....model #fd-20c,now if i understand the numbers right it should be a 1966.<br />so my question is............what is this thing realy worth,im mean lets say im going to go thru it top to bottom is it realy worth it?<br />or should i cross my fingers and hope that it doesnt blow up the 2nd or 3rd time out on the lake.<br />im greedy and i hate parting with my money but ill do just about anything to keep myself fishing so any input would be great thanks in advance

 

[Laddies]

Re: old jonny

If it is running and pumping water run it and see if sounds aright after a short period of time, don't spend a lot of money on it if you don't know the history of the motor

 

[Solittle]

Re: old jonny

I don't agree on the need to know an engines history to know if you have a good reliable engine. You do need to check it over as Dart plans to do. Also I wouldn't look away from an engine due to it's age. One of my engines is 31 years old and the other two are 19.

 

[68Dartman]

Re: old jonny

thanks for the advice guys............and yes solittle i love older motors so i a gree with ya there

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: old jonny

IF it checks out with good compression (within 10% of each other and preferably over 100psi) and...<br /><br />IF it is basically in good shape and doesn't appear abused...<br /><br />THEN consider replacing the waterpump impeller and hoses before heading out onto the water. Cheap, too! Should have a fair bit of change from a $20 bill! <br /><br />ALSO check the lower unit oil for evidence of water intrusion. Lots of other stuff covered in the FAQ section on awakening an older outboard, but those two basics are covered, then you should have a decent motor. Refill with lower unit oil, also cheap!<br /><br />I would also consider replacing the condensers and at the very least cleaning and gapping the points, even if you have spark now. Older condensers have a nasty habit of frying when you're the furthest from the dock. They usually go one at a time, so you can get home, but it's a slow trip on one cylinder. They're cheap insurance - you should have change from a 5-spot!<br /><br />Have fun!<br />- Scott

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: old jonny

i'm running a '55 15 hp rude and a '73 50hp rude, start 1st 2nd try. can't beat them.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: old jonny

Um, 1966 is not old.<br /><br />Good technology back then...motors were reliable and "modern" to the point that they did not (and will not) require a lot of fiddling to be used.<br /><br />The maintenance that this particular motor has had...obviously that's another matter. But simple enough to ascertain.<br /><br />I like older stuff!<br /><br />Thanks for reading, Chuck