Posts: 3478
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I'd disagree on the motor going bad just because it's 20 years old. If the motor has been taken care of and all cylinders are within 10% of each other for compression, it should last a good long time.
The old 2 strokes were very simple in design, and due to the oil consumption being higher, were well oiled as well. Taking into account a very efficient cold water cooling system, they can last a long long time.
Case in point: My father has a 1973 Johnson 20hp that has only been in the shop one time to replace the points. Still starts on the 2nd or 3rd pull and runs like a top!!
If anything, taking the motor to a dealer service center and have them do a once over on it for condition. They will most likely perform a leak down test on it which is a little stronger indicator than compression.
If it gets the all clear, get some decarbonizer and decarbonize the engine, get new plugs and replace after the decarbonizing, replace fuel filters, replace the lower unit fluid and you will be off and running for a good long time.
Steve |
