Question Does Anyone in the Omaha MSA Work on Older Outboards?

ydoc · 08-05-2009, 06:16 PM

I recently purchased an older aluminum boat. The boat has a 1965 Johnson 18hp outboard.

As you know, most of the area lakes are 5mph/no-wake. So I've not "opened" her up yet, but the motor has a serious cough at low/idle speeds. Once I give it a "little" gas, it's not as bad. But I'd really like to be able to idle-down for the 5mph/no-wake lakes, to troll, etc.

I've changed the sparkplugs... no affect.

I've put in fresh gas PLUS Sea Foam... but probably haven't run enough through to make a difference - IF that's the problem.

Am at the point that rather than messing with it further, I'd like to take it somewhere to have them look at it/check it out.

Omaha Marine doesn't work on Johnson/Evinrudes any more, and Buddy's Marine won't touch anything older than 1978.

Are my only choices to "live with it", or to "sell it and get a newer one" (<-- not really an option at this time)?

Or does anyone know of a "local" marine dealer or "backyard" BOAT mechanic that works on oldermotors (family also has a number of 50's-60's Johnson motors)?

Thanks!!

ydoc · 08-07-2009, 07:01 AM

<bump>

ALSO...

I had another reason to contact Sandpiper Cove Marina (near Freedom Park, on the Missouri River). I happened to ask about working on older outboards (like my 1965 18hp Johnson), and they said that they do/will!

Has anyone here had them do any work on their boat/motor?

Are they reputable?

Thanks and

!!

Bob

ScottH · 08-07-2009, 07:49 AM

PM sent.

ydoc · 08-07-2009, 09:34 AM

Thanks, but Victory Marine won't work on old motors either...

acar555 · 08-07-2009, 10:42 AM

You can try Brad at
Louisville Marine
101 Main St
Louisville, NE 68037-7033

(402) 234-2400‎

LundLover · 08-07-2009, 11:21 AM

Pm Mercman and see if he'll look at it. I believe he's in Nebraska City.

ArizonaNative · 08-07-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LundLover

Pm Mercman and see if he'll look at it. I believe he's in Nebraska City.

Mercman is the man to contact. Can't beat his prices or his work. I can vouch for him and so can others. If you want his phone number, PM me.

**Mako** · 08-07-2009, 04:56 PM

Yep...Mercman does good work and had no problems taking a look at my 60's Merc. And him leaving might be a reason why one of the places you listed won't look at older motors anymore.

ydoc · 08-08-2009, 12:45 PM

Thanks... wasn't able to reach Brad - a "Jesse" answered the phone. Jesse wasn't sure, but looked up availability of some of the "easier" stuff: carb-kit, points, condensers, etc.

He said that it LOOKS LIKE he/they can still get them. So maybe I've finally found a source!!

THANKS acar555!

Quote:

Originally Posted by acar555

You can try Brad at
Louisville Marine
101 Main St
Louisville, NE 68037-7033

(402) 234-2400‎

ydoc · 08-08-2009, 12:49 PM

Will PM mercman too... and will post his reply here. That way, anybody in the same boat as me (no pun intended) will know a source/the sources.

Thanks everybody...

MURF · 08-08-2009, 06:39 PM

A lot of troubles on old motors like yours come from the old fuel lines and tank. I wouldn't be in a hurry to get rid of it. I have a 64 Evinrude, only a 6, but after replacing fuel lines, bulb and tank, runs like a champ. The old Johnson/Evinrude motors are very reliable. One pull with choke out, then choke in an with a pull off you go to troll all day.

stox4u · 08-09-2009, 07:28 AM

Just sent you a PM with an idea on how to adjust the idle

ydoc · 08-10-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MURF

A lot of troubles on old motors like yours come from the old fuel lines and tank. I wouldn't be in a hurry to get rid of it. I have a 64 Evinrude, only a 6, but after replacing fuel lines, bulb and tank, runs like a champ. The old Johnson/Evinrude motors are very reliable. One pull with choke out, then choke in an with a pull off you go to troll all day.

Thanks!

The tank is not the original OEM... but a newer style "plastic" type. Still, I suppose the bulb not allowing gas to flow freely COULD BE the problem. One suggestion I've received was to pump the bulb while it's coughing and see if that helps. Doing so could indicate a fuel-delivery issue... tank/bulb/hose/fuel-pump, etc.

But haven't been able to get back out on the water to try it and/or too see if my fresh fuel/Sea-Foam mixture has done any good...

ydoc · 08-10-2009, 10:49 AM

While looking at boats in craigslist, I came across this ad:

Tired of the big dealers being 2-3 weeks out? Need your boat repaired? Well your in luck right now we have openings and would like to work on your boat. Call fast as the spots open will fill fast. Call Matt at 402-215-5205 and leave message. Only a few spots open for next week so call quick!!

I contacted the poster to ask about working on “older motors” as well. Matt of MS Marine replied that he, “…was a certified tech at Valley Marine for 5 years before becoming Service Manager there for the last 4 years.” And yes, he DOES work on older motors too.

Matt Stricklin
MS Marine
402-215-5205
msmarine@live.com

I live in NW Omaha and Matt’s place is in Waterloo, NE… so will probably be taking my old (1965) Johnson 18-hp to him to work on.

No, this is NOT a “recommendation” yet, but thought I’d let you guys know of someone else willing to work on older motors… a place that you might not find in the phonebook.

Coop · 08-11-2009, 12:33 PM

Matt did some work on my boat earlier this year, and did a superior job at a fraction of the price the big shops quoted me. FAST too. I highly recommend him for anyone needing work done.

He's also a member here...

packster · 08-12-2009, 04:27 PM

Thanks guys for the references!!!

08-05-2009, 06:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
ydoc ydoc has no status. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 365 Thanks: 513 Thanked 95 Times in 72 Posts	Does Anyone in the Omaha MSA Work on Older Outboards? I recently purchased an older aluminum boat. The boat has a 1965 Johnson 18hp outboard. As you know, *most* of the area lakes are 5mph/no-wake. So I've not "opened" her up yet, but the motor has a serious cough at *low/idle speeds. Once I give it a "little" gas, it's not as bad. But I'd really like to be able to idle-down for the 5mph/no-wake lakes, to troll, etc. I've changed the sparkplugs... no affect. I've put in fresh gas PLUS Sea Foam... but probably haven't run enough through to make a difference - IF that's the problem. Am at the point that rather than messing with it further, I'd like to take it somewhere to have them look at it/check it out. Omaha Marine doesn't work on Johnson/Evinrudes any more, and Buddy's Marine won't touch anything older than 1978. Are my only choices to "live with it", or to "sell it and get a newer one" (<-- not really an option at this time)? Or does anyone know of a "local" marine dealer or "backyard" BOAT* mechanic that works on oldermotors (family also has a number of 50's-60's Johnson motors)? Thanks!! Last edited by ydoc; 08-05-2009 at 06:21 PM.. Reason: additional information

08-07-2009, 11:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
LundLover LundLover is wishin' he was fishin' Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 4,171 Thanks: 118 Thanked 95 Times in 74 Posts	Pm Mercman and see if he'll look at it. I believe he's in Nebraska City. __________________ There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it!

08-07-2009, 04:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mako Mako is missing an old bald friend. Director Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: A bit further south... Posts: 6,262 Thanks: 67 Thanked 447 Times in 300 Posts Blog Entries: 2	Yep...Mercman does good work and had no problems taking a look at my 60's Merc. And him leaving might be a reason why one of the places you listed won't look at older motors anymore. __________________ Be rude to a bully and he'll beat you up. Be rude to a geek and your computer will never forgive you.

08-08-2009, 06:39 PM	#11 (permalink)
MURF MURF is Lock and Load Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Papillion Posts: 290 Thanks: 5 Thanked 38 Times in 28 Posts	A lot of troubles on old motors like yours come from the old fuel lines and tank. I wouldn't be in a hurry to get rid of it. I have a 64 Evinrude, only a 6, but after replacing fuel lines, bulb and tank, runs like a champ. The old Johnson/Evinrude motors are very reliable. One pull with choke out, then choke in an with a pull off you go to troll all day. __________________ Four blessings upon you... Older whiskey Younger women Faster horses More money

08-09-2009, 07:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
stox4u stox4u has no status. Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lincoln Posts: 333 Thanks: 38 Thanked 51 Times in 31 Posts	Ydoc Just sent you a PM with an idea on how to adjust the idle

08-07-2009, 07:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
ydoc ydoc has no status. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 365 Thanks: 513 Thanked 95 Times in 72 Posts	<bump> ALSO... I had another reason to contact Sandpiper Cove Marina (near Freedom Park, on the Missouri River). I happened to ask about working on older outboards (like my 1965 18hp Johnson), and they said that they do/will! Has anyone here had them do any work on their boat/motor? Are they reputable? Thanks and !! Bob

08-07-2009, 07:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
ScottH ScottH is working for the weekend. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 27 Thanks: 48 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts	PM sent.

08-07-2009, 09:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
ydoc ydoc has no status. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 365 Thanks: 513 Thanked 95 Times in 72 Posts	Thanks, but Victory Marine won't work on old motors either...

08-07-2009, 10:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
acar555 acar555 has no status. Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 104 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 10 Posts	You can try Brad at Louisville Marine 101 Main St Louisville, NE 68037-7033 (402) 234-2400‎

08-08-2009, 12:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
ydoc ydoc has no status. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 365 Thanks: 513 Thanked 95 Times in 72 Posts	Will PM mercman too... and will post his reply here. That way, anybody in the same boat as me (no pun intended) will know a source/the sources. Thanks everybody...

08-10-2009, 10:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
ydoc ydoc has no status. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 365 Thanks: 513 Thanked 95 Times in 72 Posts	While looking at boats in craigslist, I came across this ad: Tired of the big dealers being 2-3 weeks out? Need your boat repaired? Well your in luck right now we have openings and would like to work on your boat. Call fast as the spots open will fill fast. Call Matt at 402-215-5205 and leave message. Only a few spots open for next week so call quick!! I contacted the poster to ask about working on “older motors” as well. Matt of MS Marine replied that he, “…was a certified tech at Valley Marine for 5 years before becoming Service Manager there for the last 4 years.” And yes, he DOES work on older motors too. Matt Stricklin MS Marine 402-215-5205 msmarine@live.com I live in NW Omaha and Matt’s place is in Waterloo, NE… so will probably be taking my old (1965) Johnson 18-hp to him to work on. No, this is NOT a “recommendation” yet, but thought I’d let you guys know of someone else willing to work on older motors… a place that you might not find in the phonebook.

08-11-2009, 12:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
Coop Coop has no status. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 140 Thanks: 15 Thanked 44 Times in 25 Posts	Matt did some work on my boat earlier this year, and did a superior job at a fraction of the price the big shops quoted me. FAST too. I highly recommend him for anyone needing work done. He's also a member here...

08-12-2009, 04:27 PM	#16 (permalink)
packster packster is fixing more boats Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Now self-employed!! Cedar Bluffs Posts: 221 Thanks: 38 Thanked 43 Times in 33 Posts	Thanks guys for the references!!!

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