1969 Johnson 20hp outboard. Adding a Pee Hole and installing New Points This had Amazing results

As the title says, I put a tale tale pee hole on the 1969 Johnson 20hp. I will be walking you through step by step how I did this. I also installed some new points and it certainly runs much better now.
Follow the links below for items used in this video:
90° Brass elbow, amzn.to/3rNaa9y
Drill and tap set, amzn.to/2VoklVY
Pipe Tape, amzn.to/3llDnY6
Tap driver set,, amzn.to/3igCv5b
Flywheel puller, amzn.to/3C0B9Ds
Breaker Points,
www.marineengine.com/newparts/...
Condenser,
www.marineengine.com/newparts/...
Thermostat Gasket
www.marineengine.com/newparts/...
Thermostat Seal
www.marineengine.com/newparts/...
Thermostat 143°
www.marineengine.com/newparts/...
Video equipment used
Cannon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black
amzn.to/3tcSCTE
Comica BoomX-D D2 2.4G Wireless Lavalier Microphone System Digital 1-Trigger-2 Wireless Microphone Transmitter & Receiver SLR Clip-on Micro phone,Lav Mic for Smartphone Camera Podcast Interview
amzn.to/3edmYB4
email me at
[e-mail]
mail me at
RMD Creations
PO Box 387
Wellman, IA 52356

[@jimboo1026]

What a great way to start my Sunday! Good ol’ 25 Johnson 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you so much, thanks for watching

[@leroygruwell3222]

Great job on the video. Love seeing the mods. Thank you

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching

[@hellohellohello6847]

Love this channel, another outboard lover from the south of UK here. Thanks for your efforts :)

[@mitchz.6234]

Your close ups make it look so easy for us Mike.....keep them coming!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks, will do!

[@SMCscottydogg]

That’s sweet Michael. Great job man. Love your channels and videos

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Awesome thank you! My viewers are among the best on you tube in my opinion.

[@dannyrock5919]

Another good video Michael, very nice close ups and I appreciate the detailed step by step on replacing the points. I have a 1986 Johnson 25 that I’ve had for 20 years that runs good.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching!

[@goinginsane37098]

I picked up an old boat with this exact same motor and I am truly enjoying your videos restoring this thing to pretty much new. I will be going completely through mine as I do plan on enjoying it for years for just putting around and maybe even starting to enjoy some fishing. Heck fixing them might even become a hobby as I’m enjoying it so much.

[@k6outdoors]

Nice work, clean looking setup

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Ran it 18 miles yesterday and it performed like a champ. Top speed of 23mph.

[@stevanrose7439]

Great video thanks for posting. I have watched it twice now. Very informative. I have two boats of my own. And just took on a buddy’s boat to see if I can make it lake worthy.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck on the boats.

[@mowtrim2183]

Thanks for the points instruction. I removed my points and was 3 weeks before I had new tune up kit.forgot how felt wiper mounted. Now I can finish points install.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it helped

[@stevanrose7439]

I did that very same pee hole mod. And it worked out great. Thanks for the idea.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You are very welcome. Enjoy and thanks for watching

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael I love that you fix what is needed better than a marine mechanic. Great video. I've seen some videos that there channel should be hillbillies and outboards you rock i hope to be 1/4 as good as you Chris from the snowbelt of ohio

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks 👍

[@enoswebster6902]

sweet job on the t.tail add on love it

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you like it

[@robbie_rebuilds]

I like this idea! Might try it out on one of my 60’s 40hps!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Give it a whirl. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@jimmyjones7942]

Great video. Love the Bob Ross tribute. 😀. Enjoy your vids. Looking forward to the next one.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks so much! Thank you for watching

[@gillgetter3004]

Nice job good description on how to replace points. The person who buys it will get a nice motor. My 18 twin ran for years it probably is still out there running!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I really like the old 18's

[@helicopterjohns]

Thanks again for another informative video.. At first I thought there may have been a little too much water passing out the tube and could effect the engine cooling. But looking at the figures on your temp gauge it looks like everything should work just fine. Job well done!!!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Believe me I was a little worried at first. Took it on an 18 mile run yesterday and it performed like a champ. Thanks for watching

[@lucascornett1743]

Great video man really appreciate it.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you liked it!

[@gunfisher4661]

That was good info about the depth of the tap that I didn`t know. But I do know from my buddies in the machine shop world that there are slightly under and over sizes of drill bits for each tap size and taps to match, but that means you have to go to the same place as the machine shops go to get your bit and tap and of course the price goes up to but you do get better quality.

[@michaelbarrett2346]

Great video, thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you liked it!

[@marcg6575]

Great job! Many greetings from Germany 👍

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you very much! I love that people from all over the world are enjoying the videos.

[@marcg6575]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Yeah, your videos have helped me a lot understanding my 1982 Johnson 6HP. 👍👍 I'm 54 but i've never worked on engines. Now my big ol' Johnson runs again smoothly but it seems i still have to do a carb rebuild. It starts on the 20th+ pull when cold except when i use startup help spray.

[@TheNockingPoint]

Again, I should be out working on my 20 HP outboard...... But, hold on I am waiting for a couple of parts.... So I don't have to feel guilty about sitting here drinking coffee and watching Micheal work on his 20HP. Thank Micheal, Thank you for the entertainment and Knowledge.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you for watching and the kind words. It's keeps me going and wanting to do more. Waiting on parts is the worst part for sure. Some of the videos are months in the making due to parts.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

I've used my drill press to start taps, chuck them up & turn by hand.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

I will be tearing into a '71 18 hp Evinrude. I like the telltale idea. Thanks for posting this video.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you liked it!

[@georgekeats1478]

Great video Michael - I have watched the Kodibass one too and they are very similar. However, I think the spot you put the hose barb in is a little better because you dont have to grind down the thermostat cover. I have a '69-25hp Johnson and have been meaning to get to this job for years now. I would have used black fuel line but only since I think it looks better aesthetically with that year of outboard. But that's nit-picking. You did a great job. Now I feel I have to get to mine soon.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Get after it. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@davekimbler2308]

Richard White is the man who makes different tools used in tuning outboards ! As a matter of fact his trailer is next to mine at Tomahawk ! He’s running short on certain tools because of demand so order really soon !

[@Zman817]

Nice, I'm going to add this to my 1968 Evinrude 55 Triumph 3 cylinder. Those didn't come with any sort of telltale at all.

[@JamesSmith-oc6jc]

Hi Michael... If you look close on the top of that manual I paid 1 dollar for it many years ago at a garage sale. Glad it's in your hands now.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Oh wow! There are treasures at garage sales for sure. Thanks again for the books

[@michaeldemianiuk1283]

Your videos are helping me get my 1974 Johnson 25 hp running, thanks. I was doing RAGBRAI last week and was wondering if you were anywhere near the route. I would have loved to stop and see your shop and visit.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I'm closer to Iowa City, I think the bike route was further north this time.

[@randymiller1604]

There was a factory update on that motor drill in the exhaust housing to relieve pressure it made them idle better drill through exhaust relief Outlet in through the inner housing a quarter inch hole Nice work on the water in Decatur

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for the info, Do you have the factory update info. I have another motor I can to that particular update on.

[@randymiller1604]

Oh 18 through 25 hp Johnson and Evinrude motors with points style ignition needed this upgrade

[@randymiller1604]

You can fine-tune your ignition by using a timing light and line up the mark on the fly wheel between the marks on the mag plate while running the engine adjust points until they are in the center of the marks on the magplate It will run smoother and start easier your repair manual will show you the technique

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I will look into that

[@billysmith9173]

I have the same motor what could be causing to to want to die when I turn the handle to the shift position

[@drkwlsk]

Another job well done! Just concerned about heat melting that tube for the pee hole. I thought maybe you'd find a grommet from a Mercury instead of drilling straight through the housing. Might have been a better finished look. Just an idea next time

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I thought about it. Thanks for watching

[@doctordifferentialspeedsho9506]

What’s the benefit of having the pee hole besides knowing water is flowing? I check or replace my impeller once a year with servicing. Mine doesn’t overheat, but if there’s another benefit I’ll add the telltale.

[@joekirk87]

I have the same 69 johnson 20hp i got it with a 59 starcraft boat it was serviced before i got it but when i got it it doesnt want to run more a few seconds it runs if you spray fuel in the carb so i think the carb need rebuilt again it bareley has fuel coming out when i take the drain plug out so i know its hardly getting fuel

[@BruskFall]

Where did you happen to come across these manuals would love to get my hands on one

[@DavidWilliams-tj6wu]

Good video one qustion why do people run the stream directly behind the instead of off the left hand side so u can see it without turning your head while driving/liking ahead

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I have no idea. Thanks for watching

[@colsonsmith8522]

What she size tap driver is that so I don’t have to buy the hole kit

[@gregbell5975]

MIKE , on a 1973 20hp. Is a the needle point bearing necessary on the low idle needle valve ?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Check out the diagrams on MarineEngine.com and that should show you the information you are looking for. Thanks for watching

[@gillgetter3004]

Had a 18 fast twin, never saw the need for telltail , just looked at exhaust and made sure water was coming out with exhaust?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Absolutely that is all you need.

[@j.frankrackley7111]

I have a Kiekhaefer - Mercury model mark 10 and the serial# is 1063542. I have no idea what the year model is and would love to restore it to good running condition if I can find part's. The rope recoil assembly is missing so I wrapped a rope around the flywheel to start it. The old outboard engine will run but I shut it down after a few seconds because it wasn't peeing. I sent a message to Marine Engine for help but haven't heard back from them so far. Please help me if you can. Thanks

[@wish2fish37]

Another good video..do you think overtime vibration may wear a hole in pee tube at the hole?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

it might. Hose is cheap and easy to replace.

[@gunfisher4661]

I1ve been wanting to do that to my motor, I`m so paranoid anymore watching the exhaust on my one motor since On my other motor the water pump failed after I got on the water and it was exactly 2 yrs old to the day pert near and OEM part to but it messed up my motor some how even though it had all the stuff an 89 would have shut downs and all. It saddened me it ran like a brand new motor and the lower unit was totally rebuilt with a brand new prop not to mention new carb and fuel pump. I checked all things when I got it to the shop and all looked good so I dropped a new pump in well as soon as it fired up it pumped water straight into the gear case pushing all the oil out in 2 seconds, shut it down and looked and checked and tried it again still same thing well I gave up on it before things got worse, I did pressure test the lower after wards and if far surpassed specs for the test so I didn`t ruin any thing there. I looked High and low for some literature like you had but coudn`t find any for my model so she been setting on the bench hoping and wishing.as I had plans for it after checking out all the ##`rs all I needed to do to beef it to 8 horse was just trade the carberator and being it had a lighting coil in it I was going to have a good motor for my catfish brag. If I could have ever got a hold of some paper work like you had I might have tried to dig in by now. being what happened theres a good chance it`s a gasket only problem but only surgery will tell.

[@64samsky]

Good video Mike, I now have to find out why my 69, 9.5 Evinrude has low compression, any thoughts?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Head gasket or scored cylinder.

[@jimboo1026]

Question.. when / how can you tell when you get a motor and know that the points need to be switched out vs just giving them a light sanding?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sanding in my book is a get you by sort of thing. My rule is, if you have to sand, it's time to replace. Thanks for watching

[@georgekeats1478]

If the points are badly pitted then they should be replaced. I agree with Michael that if you need to sand or file them down then replace them. The cost is so low and the benefit so great that it's the only thing to do, to keep bad points from ruining your fishing day or family boating day.

[@genesloan3175]

Wondering if you could put a fitting through the lower cowling to connect pee hose and keep hose inside.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

For sure you could. www.crowleymarine.com/parts/12816.cfm . I thought about it too.

[@genesloan3175]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Oh wow, that's better than I was thinking. I just thought a brass fitting outside with a barb connector threaded into the pot metal of the cowling....but that one is way better.

[@Dudlushka]

Dear Sir! Ijust bought an 1972 20HP Johnson motor a few days ago (I'll do this peehole mod of yours) Do you think it's possible to change the propeller shaft (from pin drive type) to a splined one, or change the whole lower unit to a post 70something one? I couldn't find any data from compatibility. greeting from Hungary!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I really like the pin drive myself. I don't know of a shaft swap you can do. thanks for watching

[@Dudlushka]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Thanks for your kind response, btw do you still think its the best place for the tell tale hole?

[@miyak6971]

Evening!! Have a 1956 SeaHorse 18 (FD-12). Ever put your hands on one of those?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I have not. They look like awesome outboards.

[@rayjrdibenedetto867]

Hi. First i enjoy your video’s and have made 2 stands for my motors. Have a 1988 25 hp Evinrude that came with the bought that i purchased that is a 1956 Wolverine- haven’t worked on that motor yet but plan on it- also have a 1968 6 hp johnson that i have replaced points ,coils ,condensers, plugs and rebuilt carb but did learn about the coils sticking out just enough to give us trouble- got some advice and fixed that. Changed impeller and pees now! Haven’t had it out in the water yet though! Just hasn’t happened yet. Hoping soon. Just wondering why you put this pee hole in- as another or easier visual?Thanks again and keep up the videos- they help people like me that can learn from them! Have a good day

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It's an easier visual for sure. Some of the new school kids out there are use to seeing this type of indicator on the motors. Keep on working on the old motors and keep them on the water for many years to come.

[@rayjrdibenedetto867]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Hi. Ok. Just wondering was all-thank you. Trying to-never worked on a boat motor until just now-good to learn in case your stuck out on the water or because marinas won’t work on the older ones where I live I was told! Thanks again! I will keep watching

[@johanrickheden]

When you´re setting the points, in what position is the gashandle?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That does not come into play, it all about the lobe position on the points cam

[@johanrickheden]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina yeah of course! Stupid by me. 🤦‍♂️

[@johnbeeks2342]

My 20 hp Johnson started sputtering during idle and at higher rpms. Gas line shows no air bubbles. I believe my bottom cylinder is missing. I see spark on both plugs but bottom one seems a little more red/yellow spark instead of blue color. I have changed the plugs as well. Would you recommend changing the points and condenser coils for this?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

check the points gap to make sure they are set right first. You can sand the points to clean them up......if it's still not well then go after the condenser.

[@johnbeeks2342]

I will try that, thank you!!!

[@johnbeeks2342]

That fixed it....thanks for the advice!!!

[@sharoldshoney]

Ok. Got a problem. The hole that hold one set of points stripped out. Anyone ever had this problem?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

make be able to be fixed with a thread insert.

[@cambo1200]

If you were worried about flow, I’m sure a smaller tell-tale would work.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Did an 18 mile test run and it worked just fine, no issues. I'd for sure do it again.

[@cambo1200]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Excellent!

[@billbrown4240]

I have a 1978 15hp short shaft evinrude and I need to convert to a long shaft, do you know where I can get the parts I need at a reasonable price. Thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Keep your eyes on eBay is going to be your best bet for a reasonable price

[@billbrown4240]

Micheal, would you know what years the longshaft extension fit mine is a 1978 evinrude

[@nicholassnyder1855]

Where are you located need my motor done

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sorry, I don't do customer work, everything you see me work on is mine. thanks for watching

[@savariematt341]

Do you have a part # for your flywheel puller?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

here is a link to a puller, amzn.to/3C0B9Ds , you will need three 1/4-20 bolts and maybe washers for this application.

[@savariematt341]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thank you!

[@kentyler966]

I bought the flywheel puller bracket from harbor freight for $15 about a year ago. I’ve only used it once on an Evinrude 3 horse folder but it worked fine. I agree with Mike, don’t use anything but a puller bracket or your going to regret it.

[@badgerbob2226]

hay iam heading to string town Wednesday about 11 am. do you want me to drag down that 20 hp johnson parts motor ?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Hey that would be awesome. I will be at work but my wife will be home.

[@badgerbob2226]

ok ill drop it off.

[@masterful7574]

What is an "alebow"?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It's when your elbow is sore.

[@richardcranium5839]

i'm surprised they dont have you "time" the pionts like so many other engines.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

My understanding is there is a way to time them. I will be looking into it for sure Mr. Cranium.

[@davidglover9707]

You never use sand paper on points . Small metal files.

[@jameschance4094]

I would like to be able to talk with you I have a 1968 40 hp Johnson outboar eng that run good but won't move the boat fast in the water but no one has been able to make it work I have had the boat for more than 40 years and use it just a few times please let me no how to cont you may be you could repair it thank you call me

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

my email address is in the description. Email me and we can talk.

[@seniorLu48]

Thanks for your valuable info. Question, are the powerheads the same for 1969 20hp and 25hp?