Vintage 40 HP johnson. Should I take a chance on this motor?

[Quicksilver65]

I found an add on Craigslist with a guy selling a vintage 40 hp Johnson motor for $75.00 . The guy I spoke too thinks the motor is from the late 60's early 70's, he just bought the motor and boat from a family member out of state. He says that the motor runs (He and a friend ) got it going but the lower unit will not engage . I will be heading out later this evening maybe tomorrow to take a look at this unit. Do you guys think i should take a chance buying this motor for $75.00, or is this just asking for trouble?

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Vintage 40 HP johnson. Should I take a chance on this motor?

He just bought it, and is already selling it. Hmm. that alone sounds a bit suspisous, and the fact it won't shift. Perhaps it is an electric shift(1962-1971) model. Parts are getting hard to find and therefore not cheap. I guess you can sit at the dock and look cool but you won't be able to leave without it shifting

 

[lindy46]

Re: Vintage 40 HP johnson. Should I take a chance on this motor?

If it comes with the wiring harness and the remote control, parts alone would be worth more than $75.

 

[69starcraft]

Re: Vintage 40 HP johnson. Should I take a chance on this motor?

If it's the Selectric Shift I wouldn't waste my time....It might be an easy fix (wiring to the shift solenoids) but it also might need parts....Which as Jimmbo stated are almost impossible to find for these units.

I had an old Johnson 50 with the electric shift and it fried on me...I ended up selling the motor as parts....couldn't find nor afford what I could find for a new "used" lower unit.....

 

[Quicksilver65]

Re: Vintage 40 HP johnson. Should I take a chance on this motor?

I decided to not take the chance. Thank you for your advice.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Vintage 40 HP johnson. Should I take a chance on this motor?

Too bad you didn't wait for me to chime in.

I would have said, go for it. If you got a running powerhead, that alone is worth the effort and just find a parts motor with a manual shift lower unit and bad powerhead. These old 40's are a dime a dozen nowadays and it's easy to find parts motors and parts. I'm down to three of these type of motors now, but I was up to five, recently. You never did say if it was an electric shift or not.

 

[kodibass]

Re: Vintage 40 HP johnson. Should I take a chance on this motor?

Quicksilver I wish I had your discipline'' But Oh no I bought it,,, 40 hp 1960 super quiet , I think I have the sicness,,, Zephyr pls feel free to chime on my latest laps, its the next thread under this one kb