Yeah those both sound like pretty good options. Maybe just a remanufactured 255. And good to know about the 4 bolt versus 5 bolt for the outdrive. I’ll have to look at mine
Where did you get your remanufactured 255?
Did they buy your old one?
What did you do with the old one?
Who actually took out the old one and installed the new one - the same place you ordered it through?
…..I’m just thinking ahead. Can barely find anyone to work on mine as it is, much less install a new motor. But then again, maybe it’s easier to find a place to install because it’s a new (remanufactured) motor and they don’t have to mess with it too much (in theory)?
the bolts are on that top cap - right? So it looks like I have a 4 bolter?…….
> On May 12, 2015, at 9:23 PM, Jeff LaCoste <heavy@...> wrote:
>
> I was in the very same situation as you last year after 5 years of engine problems and chronic overheating, along with no mechanic wanting to even hear my story let alone working on it. Turned out the block was totally rusted inside after so many years of service so nothing I did was gonna solve the overheating issues.
>
> Take it from my experience. We decided we like the boat enough to invest. We bought a remanufactured Buick v6 255, new manifold, hei destributor, carb, etc and had it all in a few weeks. Paid a mechanic to go through the engine, check it out, and assemble the pieces for a couple hundred bucks. Total costs $2500-3K
>
> As for the stern drive, if you have a 4 bolt it's junk and no one will work on it. Too complicated, old, and hard to find parts. I replaced mine with a newer 70's 5 bolt for $400. They are out there if you know what to look for. Just bolt it on and go. Hopefully your intermediate and rubber boot is in good shape.
>
> I can share more details if your interested.
>
> Jeff
> Seattle
>
> On Tuesday, May 12, 2015, sv <svsv8002@... <mailto:svsv8002@...>> wrote:
> My beloved ’65 Johnson Deluxe got beat to hell last season. On top of some major hull dings from a treacherous marina, I hit something at the end of the season and knocked out the lower unit.
>
> In my region there's literally about 1 guy I know of who can or is willing to work on such an old OMC stringer. The lower unit has to be replaced - can’t be “rebuilt” he says. Being vintage, that to me equates to waiting for something used yet decent to come up somewhere in the country on Ebay or Craigslist. And how will I know it will be “decent” until I pay big bucks, ship it to me, and try it out.
>
>
> I’ve put a ton of time and money into the rest of this boat. I’ve completely re-done nearly everything. Re-wired, dash, seats, paint, everything. The engine has been one big headache. Over maybe 7 years of ownership and toiling away, I’ve had about 1.5 good seasons of not having some engine issue to chase down and spend money on. It’s pretty good now, but still was having random crazy things happening last season. I’m kind of sick of it.
>
> I love the boat. But mainly for it’s cool look. It’s not a restore and never will be. I could honestly care less about keeping the engine and stringer original.
>
>
> So my question is this. Is it even possible to completely “update” the engine and outdrive in a Johnson Deluxe? In other words, i”m picturing some sort of retrofit of a “crate” motor and maybe a mercruiser outdrive or something? In other words something “new” that I know would start right up every year, not overheat, wouldn’t have a carb, etc etc. I would not be attempting to do it myself, I’d have to hire some place. Before I even ask around to boat places who will likely barely be familiar with a Johnson Deluxe, among the experts here - Is this even possible?
>
> Or is that something that would require major hull modifications - I’m thinking particularly at the transom hole and boot situation. And would I be swapping my engine reliability problems for transom leaking problems?
>
>
> thanks for any input. Maybe I’ll get lucky and someone on this list has actually done this already.
>
> I know I could maybe locate a lower unit and solve the outdrive problem. But again, I could do all that and have a season of engine problems anyway. I’m just kind of over it all.
>
>
> Thanks! Jeff
>
>
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>
> --
> JEFF LACOSTE | DESIGNER
> DIRECT: +1 206.781.3477 | WEBSITE: www.designheavy.com <http://www.designheavy.com/>
>
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Received on Thursday, 14 May 2015
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