Finding a reliable engine for a boat often leads to one of the most recognizable names in the industry. Johnson's engine to buyYou’ve already taken the first step towards acquiring the legendary machinery that has been traversing the waters for decades. Despite the fact that the brand officially ceased production under this name in 2001, demand for these units remains consistently high due to their maintainability and availability.
Boat owners appreciate these engines for their simple two-stroke design that allows them to perform the same. hand-craft The market offers many options, from old Soviet counterparts to the original American and European builds of the early 2000s, and it is important to understand that buying today is always about finding a quality used copy or a refurbished unit, since new models in the lineup are not released.
In this article, we will discuss what to look for when inspecting, how to distinguish the original from a fake or failed copy, and where to look. spare parts Choosing the right option will save you money while providing a sleek and reliable unit for your PVC boat or boat.
Why You Should Choose a Johnson Motor
The main reason these engines are so popular is because they're so simple. Johnson Outboard It provides high power specification with minimal weight, which is critical for lightweight inflatable boats. Unlike modern four-stroke counterparts, there is no complex crankcase lubrication system, which makes the device less sensitive to rolling and rolling.
The second important aspect is the huge knowledge base and accessibility. repair-packsThe mechanics of these engines have been studied in depth and in depth, and many of the components are aligned with Evinrude engines from the same period, meaning that finding a carburetor, water pump or ignition system is not difficult, even in remote regions.
It's worth noting the economic feasibility. Johnson It is often cheaper to buy a new Chinese equivalent of dubious quality, and the life of a properly serviced American or European engine of the 90s can significantly exceed the life of a budget novelty.
Johnson’s choice is to bet on time-tested design and availability of parts, not on modern environmental standards.
Key Models and Their Technical Features
When you search for an ad that says "Boy Johnson Motor," you'll find a lot of modifications, and the most popular and popular are models that are 2 to 15 horsepower. PVC-boat And small aluminum boats.
Model series Sea-Horse and later versions with labeling Enduro For example, the Enduro series is famous for its omnivorousness and low-quality fuel, which is important for remote fishing, and the design of these engines often involves a simplified start system and minimal electronics.
- 🚤 Johnson 2.5 hp Ideal for quiet fishing, very quiet and economical, but requires fine tuning of the carburetor.
- 🚤 Johnson 5-6 hp - "Golden mean", allows you to plane on light boats with one angler, has a built-in fuel tank.
- 🚤 Johnson 9.9-15bhp Full-fledged engines for planing with full load, often have a forced lubrication system.
It is important to consider the year of release, as older models (before 1990) may have a magdinary ignition system that requires contact maintenance. Modern versions are equipped with CDI electronic ignition, making them operation It is more stable and eliminates the need to adjust the gaps.
Pay attention to the color of the candle after the engine is running. The brick color indicates normal operation, black soda indicates a rich mixture, and white indicates a poor one, which is dangerous for the piston group.
What to look for when buying a used motor
Buying used equipment is always risky. When you arrive, watch JohnsonFirst, assess the appearance of the datawitt (legs) and the presence of deep scratches, dents or welding marks may indicate impacts on rocks or underwater obstacles, which may have led to the displacement of the shafts.
Be sure to check the compression. For two-stroke motors, a value in the range of 6-9 atmospheres is normal, but the same value on all cylinders (if there are more than one) is more important. A spread of more than 1 atmosphere indicates wear of the rings or damage to the cylinder mirror, which will require the same value on all cylinders. overhaul.
⚠️ Warning: If the engine starts with a piercing whistle or a metal clang-like knock, you should avoid buying, which may indicate the collapse of crankshaft bearings, the replacement of which requires disassembling the entire crankshaft group.
Also check the dataset for water in the oil, if you unscrew the drain plug from the gearbox, you get a coffee-milk emulsion, you've got a leaky seal on the coils, and you're running the water in the gearbox, and you're going to quickly corrosion the gears and the node.
☑️ Testing of used engine
Johnson Comparison with Analogues: specifications Table
To make a good decision, it’s helpful to compare the technical parameters of the popular Johnson model with today’s models, which will help you understand what you will lose or gain by choosing old school against new technologies.
| Parameter | Johnson 9.9 (2 bars) | Yamaha 9.9 (2 bar) | Chinese analogue 9.9 (2 bar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workload | 240cc | 246 cubic centimetres | 240-250 cc |
| Weight. | ~36 kg | ~36 kg | ~38-40 kg |
| Ignition system | CDI (electronic) | CDI (electronic) | CDI/Magdino |
| Resource to overhaul | High (when leaving) | Very tall. | Medium/Low |
As you can see from the table, American engines Often lighter than its competitors by using better aluminum alloys in the manufacture of housings and parts. Chinese counterparts can be heavier due to the use of thicker-walled, but less durable materials.
However, it is worth remembering that modern environmental regulations force manufacturers to switch to four-stroke circuits or E-TEC direct injection technologies. Johnson It is a classic school where simplicity is key.
The secret of the durability of the gearbox
What many owners don't know is that the lubricant in the gearbox of Johnson's two-stroke motors needs to be changed not only when water hits, but every year. Old oil loses its properties and can start to pass current, causing electrochemical corrosion of aluminum parts.
Where to look for spare parts and service sets
Owners of rare machines often have to deal with the problem of finding parts. Johnson It's not a critical situation. A huge number of knots are unified with Evinrude, Mercury and even some Tohatsu models.
For the planned maintenance you will need the following consumables:
- 🛠️ Set of gaskets (carburetor, cylinder cover, exhaust).
- 🛠️ Water pump impeller (B) changes once a season or when the jet pressure falls.
- 🛠️ Ignition plugs Standard NGK or Champion are usually used.
- 🛠️ Fuel filters - "pear" and a sludge filter.
Buying parts is best from specialist suppliers working with marine machinery, or at proven ad sites where sellers specialize in outboard motors. Avoid buying cheap Chinese pumps and carburetors without feedback, as their geometry often does not match the original, leading to overheating or unstable operation.
⚠️ Note: When ordering a piston group (rings, pistons), be sure to measure the diameter of the cylinder with a micrometer. The nominal dimensions may differ from the repair ones, and installing rings of the wrong size will lead to bullies in a matter of minutes of work.
Frequent malfunctions and methods of their elimination
Even the most reliable mechanism requires attention. The most common problem faced by owners Johnson The most common culprit is a clogged cooling system or a worn pump impeller, and if the control jet becomes weak or disappears, you must immediately turn off the engine.
The second common problem is starting difficulties. In two-stroke engines, this is usually due to the ignition system or the carburetor. Check for a spark by turning the candle and pressing it against the mass. If there is a spark, but the engine does not start, maybe the fuel mixture is broken or the carburetor's chicler is full.
Regular replacement of pump impeller (once in 1-2 seasons) is the cheapest way to prevent expensive repairs of an overheated engine.
It is also worth mentioning the system. gaseousOlder engines often burn out the exhaust plate or lose the elasticity of the petal valves, resulting in power drops and increased fuel consumption, and the valves require the removal of the carburetor and visual examination of the petals for chips and cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where to find the serial number on the Johnson engine?
The serial number is usually stamped on a metal plate attached to the motor mounting bracket (dedwit) or on the cylinder block itself, and the number can be stamped directly on the metal in the area of the mounting of the roompell, using this number you can determine the year of release and the exact model in the spare parts catalogs.
What oil should I use for the mixture?
Johnson two-stroke engines are recommended to use special oils labeled TC-W3. The mixing ratio with gasoline is usually 1:50 (for modern oils) or 1:25 (for mineral oils and older models).
Can I use AI-95 gasoline?
Yes, most Johnson engines, especially those produced after the 1980s, run on AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline, but using fuels with a higher octane number than the manufacturer recommends does not give a gain in power, and in some cases can lead to overheating due to slower combustion of the mixture.
Is it possible to find a new Johnson engine in the store?
No, the Johnson-branded engine was discontinued by Bombardier Recreational Products in 2001 (the brand was later acquired, but mass production under that name was not resumed in the same volume), only warehouse residues, which are extremely rare, or refurbished models, can be sold.