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i am thinking of buying a boat with a 1978 115hp johnson, the guy told me it had carburator problems. it looks to me like stock carbs are not available, are there any aftermarket ones or should i look for something with a newer engine, i have been a mechanic for several years but have no experience with marine engines.what other things do i need to consider with this engine its on a 1986 cajun espirit boat.
Optional Information: Make (of engine): johnson Year: 1978 Horsepower: 115
Hi my name isXXXXX will assist you.
The first thing to consider is the age 34 years old . Then you never want to buy a non running engine that you cannot water test. I would look for something allot newer that is in running condition. You can't always believe what a person is telling you the engine may have a more serious problem. Customers are not always mechanics and have no clue most of the time what is wrong with there engines.
i agree with you that customers arent mechanics and dont have a clue most of the time. i have run my own auto repair shop for 13 years and have heard it all. i know its an old engine but the boat is really clean and cheap. if i decide to take a chance on this thing are there any aftermarket carbs available or do i have to deal with the old ones? looks like most of the other parts are still available.
The carbs can be rebuilt and you won't need new carbs. There will be none to find only used then you will be getting the same thing you have. The only thing that wears out on these carbs are the throttle shafts. If the throttle shafts are worn out so is the motor so new carbs wouldn't help anyway. Do a compression test and buy the boat as there is no motor on it as a non running motor is considered junk. If he pays to get the engine running that is a different story. But never buy a non running out board assuming the customer knows what is wrong with it.
Experience: 35 yrs. experience. I/O, Outboard & Inboard, Complete engine repairs.Certified Technician