Valley Boater
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Thread starter- Joined
- Oct 1, 2009
- Messages
- 80
I'm going to inspect a '96 Johnson 25 hp tiller model this weekend for possible purchase. I am very familiar with the 9.9 OMC outboards of which I've had very satisfactory ownership. I used to have a '90 40 hp Johnson that I experienced a failed VRO and tilt assist cylinder. The engine could be rebuilt, the tilt assist cylinder couldn't (not to be confused with power tilt). Looking at an on-line parts list I didn't see at VRO nor tilt assist on the parts diagram for the '96 25 hp. I need a tiller outboard in 25 - 40 hp range for occasional use (probably only 1 or 2 weekends every summer) and this one is priced right ($700) and looks like it has low hours.
Can anyone offer suggestions on strengths & weaknesses of the '96 25 hp OMC? Aside from compression test, lower lube check and tank testing for running, shifting & peeing, what are some potential year/model specific problems areas I should be evaluating or be prepared to face with ownership? I would consider the '90 40 hp OMC a poorly designed outboard, did OMC do better with the 25 hp model in 1996?
Can anyone offer suggestions on strengths & weaknesses of the '96 25 hp OMC? Aside from compression test, lower lube check and tank testing for running, shifting & peeing, what are some potential year/model specific problems areas I should be evaluating or be prepared to face with ownership? I would consider the '90 40 hp OMC a poorly designed outboard, did OMC do better with the 25 hp model in 1996?
