3 h.p. Johnson

Shawn Hollis

Shawn Hollis

Active member
I just acquired a little 3 h.p. Johnson off of craigslist. I know some of you have experience with these little motors (Harker?) Anyway, my dad picked it up for me in Chattanooga. He said it had good compression, but as I expected the carb is all gummed up. I found a few good sites on the tune up of these motors, just looking for any words of wisdom before I start to tear into this motor in a couple of weeks. Shawn
 
Gas, spark and compression is all it needs to run. First thing I'd do is change the lower unit fluid and see if there is water in there. I watched a show a few years ago where the host was talking to an old outboard mechanic. He said the motors on those last forever but usually, the lowers had water in them and the gears all rusted up. He showed a few and the gears looked like big lumps of rusted iron. Lower unit fluid will tell a lot about it...if water, rust and metal shavings come out, tear it down and see what you need to repair it. I hope it is in great shape as those little motors just keep going and going unless someone just totally abused it. My uncle had one for years and used strained , used motor oil out of his cars mixed with gas for it. It started and ran great...wonder if he still has it?
 
I hate to do this........ but.....I have to agree with Lee. Usually old irons dies of neglect before it actually wears out. I'm a firm believer in them. A note: do not use starting fluid to start the motor, it's REAL BAD for the internal goodies. Unless they're new, look at replacing the coils, they're always overlooked and can cause some weird problems. Basic tuneup and a water impeller, seal up the lower unit.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for the replies guys! I ended up getting the motor for $80 so I am not to deep into it right now. I hope to get it running like new and put it on my grumman. Shawn
 
This one is the most complete as far as tune up. The guy did a really good job. Shawn

http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.com/Evinrude%203%20HP%20Lightwin%20Outboard%20Boat%20Motor/default.htm
 
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