My cousin gave me two old Johnson outboards this past weekend, they were for his 90 year old uncle who recently passed away, if I had to guess theyve been sitting up for at least 25 years. One is a 70 hp and the other is a 40 hp. I figured out that the 70 is a 1982 year model and I think the 40 is from the 1960s, it says Electramatic on the cover. Ill try to post pics later. Both had rat nests under the covers when I pulled them off, but no wiring was chewed. Everyone I talked to said the 70 is a pretty durable engine that should be pretty reliable once I get it going. My cousin said the 70 does need new reed valves. I was thinking about rebuilding the carburetors on both motors, new impeller on both, and also finding the controls for each, and go from there, also a compression test on each motor. I'm assuming the 40 hp has points instead of electronic ignition. The 40 hp I'd like to restore and put on an older boat. I'm unsure if I should try to buy a factory manual for each or just get a Clymer manual. If yall have any suggestions for other things to look for on these motors, please let me know. I'm also unsure if they take 50:1 or 40:1 mix.
Another cousin of mine gave me a 1979 year model 70 Johnson for parts but that motor is in way better condition so I may use the '82 for parts.
Another cousin of mine gave me a 1979 year model 70 Johnson for parts but that motor is in way better condition so I may use the '82 for parts.