Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by kjm638 on 05/10/10 - 4:59 PM

I have a 74 Whaler Sport 13 with the above mentioned 35 horse Johnson. Ive only had this boat for 3 years. Ive noticed that this Johnson is running erratic at best- hard to run slow as in docking, hard to restart, difficult to regulate with the OMC controls. My question is I love the boat but is it time to get a new modern outboard? Money is tight and Im not looking for performance just ease of operation and reliability. I have an 8 year old son who is interested in being on the boat with me for fishing exploring etc. Im looking for those more experienced than myself to respond as to the merits of replacing / rebuilding / repairing this old Johnson. Thanks in advance for all help. KJM

Posted by John Fyke on 05/10/10 - 5:04 PM

Sounds like you need to go through the carbs. Maybe a tune up, fuel filter and check the linkage. If the compression is good I would stick with what you have. Outboards need more attention than you would think. Good luck.

Posted by kjm638 on 05/10/10 - 5:38 PM

Thanks for the reply. In the worst case scenario providing compression is good (as I expect it is ) what would it cost (Long Island NY) to fully overhaul this motor and make it run as it should?

Posted by John Fyke on 05/10/10 - 6:11 PM

If the compression is good, anything more or less is cosmetic so to speak and you could do it yourself other than the carbs based on your exprience. Price around but get a reputable mechanic.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 05/10/10 - 6:24 PM

Here are some things to consider.

1. Rebuild and Adjust Carbs if needed
2. Replace lower unit fluid
3. Replace fuel filter(s) if installed
4. Make sure charging system is in working order.
(A voltmeter on any boat is a must in my opinion whether it is a separate gauge or included on another piece of equipment like a Fish Finder etc.)
5. Replace water pump
6. Replace spark plugs and check wires
7. Check Steering Cable and Steering helm. Fix or replace as necessary.
8. Check Engine Control, Throttle and Shift Cables. Fix or replace as necessary.

Posted by CES on 05/10/10 - 8:15 PM

Joe has made some great points!! In addition to what Joe said, I'd run some Seafoam (available at most autoparts stores) or the Yamaha Ring Free. That stuff will disolve any carbon build up.

Also, on www.boats.net you can find a Johnson forum and ask thier opinions too.

Good luck!!

Posted by awayland on 05/11/10 - 4:05 AM

There seems to be a lot of talk about ethanol in fuel these days. If your going to rebuild the carbs. I would make sure all the rubber fuel lines are ethanol rated.

Posted by kjm638 on 05/11/10 - 6:44 AM

Thanks very much for the replies. Ive never worked on an outboard but have worked on cars. So I am basically familiar with things mechanical. What is the procedure for checking compression? Do I pull the plug wires and one plug, crank the engine with gauge attached, record the numbers and then reverse for the other cylinder? What compression values are good? Thanks.

Posted by John Fyke on 05/11/10 - 10:47 AM

kjm638 wrote:
Thanks very much for the replies. Ive never worked on an outboard but have worked on cars. So I am basically familiar with things mechanical. What is the procedure for checking compression? Do I pull the plug wires and one plug, crank the engine with gauge attached, record the numbers and then reverse for the other cylinder? What compression values are good? Thanks.

Pull all the plugs out and check each cylinder.