1972 Johnson 9.5 Seahorse gets some TLC and hooks up with the Nymph and we take it out for test run

[@seniorLu48]

Love to see those old motors come back to life. Up until two months ago I always by passed those Evinrude/Johnson 9.5s. Then I went on a buying spree, I came across one that I just could not walk away from; it was a 1969 Johnson $50 with a tank everything looked good under the hood. Brought it home did all the normal stuff before setting it in the tank, the little guy started but I couldn't get to idle. Took the carb off and must have clean it four or five times; same thing. I took the fuel pump and cleaned it, same thing. I ordered carb kit and while I waited for parts to arrive, I came upon two more; both Evinrude's a 1970 which looked fairly decent (the guy wanted to trade for vintage fishing reels which I had, a $50 trade) and a 1973 a parts motor with a (power head seized.) Everything else was there; $30 bucks. Came home pulled the carb out of the parts motor and put it in the 69 and WALA, the darn thing sings like a bee...my parts came in rebuild the carb on the 1970 and that too purrs in sweet idle. Three motors grand total $130 for a guy that always shy from the 9.5hp I really can't say more. Thanks for your great videos, much appreciated.

[@kalleklp7291]

It's similar to my Evinrude Sport Twin 9 1/2 HP from 1970. I found out they tend to have somewhat low compression but still work. It's also a difference when the cylinders are "dry" as opposed to having some oil in them. I got it in running condition for a little less than 110 bucks and I love it.

[@BOBisjustBOB]

Hi from Ireland. Just wanna say your vlogs are easy watched and informative and your shirts make me smile. As we say "Keep her lit"

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

We will keep her lit my Irish friend.

[@cajuncookone]

Those little 9.5hp outboards do run well if they do not have exhaust leak issues. These motors can not be compared to the 1950’s to 1963 10hp motors or the 1974 and later 9.9hp motors. These motors were made from 1964 to 1973. They were an attempt at marketing a low profile fishing motor for the average fisherman. Cast in all directions without any interference from the motor was advertised....lol These are not high compression motors. Not uncommon to find compression numbers from 60 to 80. Low 50’s is not that uncommon either. The starter is a low impact starter that allows for easy starting. Because it is a low impact starter, you don’t spend the motor over high enough to get higher compression numbers. Take a simple starter rope and wrap it around the flywheels own rope sheave. Pull hard about 4 to 5 times and you will notice you will have higher compression number usually between 60 to 80. Again for compression check do not use the low impact starter setup. Please use the rope starter method. Do not use the drill to spend the power head to check compression. Gives false higher compression assessment values. Using the rope start method gives you an assessment of a non starting motor’s compression values and compare it to known values as stated above. These motor will typically get 8 to 12 mph on a loaded 14 ft aluminum boat. They run real smooth (if they do not have exhaust leak issues) and can low troll all day long. An exhaust leak issue can be identified by removing the motor hood. With an exhaust leaking issue the motor will run sluggish and rough with the hood on. It is being smoothed with its own exhaust fumes. By removing the hood while running on the boat, the performance will significantly improve. It is now getting fresh air for combustion. Since it normally sits low on the boat, it will also sit low in/on the test barrel. It tends to run poorly in the barrel, because it inhaling its own fumes. Placing a fan near by (safely), you can blow the exhaust fumes away. It is much preferred to run, test, and set the low idle speed needle on the boat. There are four areas of exhaust leaks. Parts diagram for the exhaust housing. 1.) torn or missing shift rod rubber boot (part number 78) 2.) torn or deformed exhaust housing seal (part number 87) 3.) exhaust hose is cracked or torn (part number 43) Under gear case parts diagram 4.) Impeller housing seal (motor part number 6) If you have the extended shaft model then the Exhaust housing to impeller spacer seal (part number 61) The 4 listed item help prevent exhaust fumes from entering the power head chambers from the exhaust housing below. Leaking from one of the those 4 exhaust items can cause exhaust fumes to enter the power head chambers. Thus causing the motor to inhale its own fumes with the hood on.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

congrats, longest comment left to date in my channel. Great information, thank you and thanks for watching.

[@cuttingedgehelis5735]

Dude thank you. Mine is literally how you described. Runs terrible with hood on but as soon as removed it reves up like a power house. How do I fix the exhaust leak?

[@CVEIWKID]

Thanks

[@davemilster]

unfortunately you have to split the halves of the motor lower section above the lower unit. Time consuming and not too costly. Replace the gasket and voia..... I've seen where lazy folks drill ventilation holes in the motor cover allowing them to breathe... not hte best plan, I'm afraid. @@cuttingedgehelis5735

[@sethgabbard7705]

I’ve got one of these on my channel. It was my brothers. It is a good motor. Well done on your success. These things are fast!

[@kickinitoutdoors5782]

I have a 1964 that has been in my family since it was new well maintained and runs like a champ to this day!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That is so cool to have a motor that has been in the family for so long.

[@Jimmyzb36]

Love me some sea horse!! I've got a canadian version. Got the owners manual. This one was fresh water only and used very little.

[@dtq7388]

Great vid yours and others on KZbin have helped me tremendously with getting my old 1966 9.5 hp Johnson running!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Great to hear. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@aherrij]

Just picked up the same motor, except a 1970. Leeroy's ramblings says they made some important changes over the first few years of production. The reservoir is a great place to boat and fish!

[@ct1762]

those mounts on his are about shot. im sure you read this, but make sure to try to wiggle the powerhead for and aft. most mounts need replacing on these ive found, and many cracked.

[@easymac2004]

Thanks a lot! I have same motor same year and needed a kill switch! Definitely subscribing!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Welcome aboard and hope you enjoy more videos.

[@joemalcom7029]

I had a 73 like that and it did me well.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sweet.

[@midriftmike6161]

Really enjoyed the content. The drone footage was awesome. Keep that coming as well.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Will do. Thank you for watching

[@haroldfisher2256]

Thanks Michael. I like watching you work on these boat motors and boats. You do a great job and you explain yourself very well. Please keep them videos coming. Maybe try a budget boat build With a trailer needing rebuilt also. Keep giving us your builds and again THANKS

[@joeybunkerslgl15gbunker25]

Bunk auto n small eng the 1985 and older really need 24 to 1 with gas today you will never be disappointed keep up the good work

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching. Thanks for the tip

[@ct1762]

full needle bearing motors are designed for 50:1. 25:1 will give zero benefit and only foul plugs on a points type ignition much more frequently, as well as carbon up the piston/rings

[@lartru]

Hi. The driveshaft didn’t come off with the lower unit when I pulled it off it stayed in the motor. I’ve been fighting like hell trying to put it back together and/or pull the driveshaft off. Any suggestions?

[@7yph0onXno0hpy7]

I have one and has been a 1 pull start the last 4 seasons of light crabbing in the local bays. This year there's fuel coming out the exhaust area and is either rough start or not at all. Stuck float in carb or something worse??

[@fredflintstonez4161]

Do you have a video showing how you put together the wood mount for your test barrel setup? Looks like it works really well and I'd like to duplicate it or something similar.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes I do.

[@fredflintstonez4161]

Found it, thanks. "Outboard motor test barrel build testing the Johnson 15 hp" for anyone else looking for it.

[@billhopkins1553]

Not sure if I heard you correctly on speed-I have a 9.9 1978 model,with me & a buddy plus fishing gear she'll click bout 18- 20 mph.It is a 14 ft. Jon Boat.Thax for taking the time,Bill

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Well that's moving right along. The older Johnson's just weren't that fast.

[@ct1762]

the 9.9 is a whole different animal than the 9.5hp. look and go like turtles.

[@t.j.h2810]

Agree, I have a 9R-70 model 9.5 and it'll push my jon boat with myself & a buddy 18 mph all day long without straining. Proper prop pitch is important for speed.

[@FabioBrazilSP]

Comprei a pouco tempo um motor desse modelo MQ12A e percebi que ele nao atinge muita velocidade. Ele é um motor de baixa compressão?

[@bobbyrandolph7510]

Love your video's man I got one great motors

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you like them!

[@williamilg4988]

Trying to find a 15 HP carb for a 1998 johnson outboard. Having no luck finding parts or a rebuilt. Where do you go to get your stuff?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

those will be hard to find. Just have to keep your eye out for an old motor to part out.

[@jpawlacz]

Great video, What size fuel line did you put on the motor is that the same size that goes to the tank? From NAPA as well? Keep up the great Video's!!

[@ct1762]

5/16 for both

[@wish2fish37]

It is ironic..Just got one of these today(1970) and revisited the video.Kill switch was toast so I am getting one like you did.Also,this motor has a brand new michigan prop, but not sure why the shaft seems so loose in the prop bushing.It is the right size prop and I checked part number.Was yours a tight fit on shaft and if so what brand and part#.thanks

[@fishgrubspinners6762]

Holy crap, this may interest you. I just watched an ad during your video for a boat prop from SHARROW MX-1R™ - it's $2,000 USD. That's more than my boats worth. LMAO 😂

[@peteryeung111]

Hi, Micheal, you make great videos. Just want to point out that the paper gasket should be under the 'bearing housing' (didn't see you remove that in the video) underneath the impeller housing plate. Cheers.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for the info!

[@brentdoege6266]

I was thinking that I may have drilled and tapped the choke shaft and the rod. Maybe a little thread lock to to top it off? Nothing against good ol JB Weld though! Great video thank you for doing what you do!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That could work. Send me pictures of your fix and I might put it into a video in the future

[@andriessluiter4269]

Love your shirts😀👍

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks

[@brianwillis7075]

Looking for a prop for a 80’s Nissan 8hp pin thru shaft hub no splines. NS8A. M8A-150771. Lots of trouble finding one. Need as many eyes as possible! Thanks man

[@Showmethefish]

Love the shirt

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks, I get them off of Amazon

[@ryanduncan9462]

Can you give me a link to that impeller kit?!?

[@macprince5667]

when did the change to 50:1 come about. aI thought a 72 was 16:1.

[@uhoh71]

I believe it was around 1964 when outboards went to 50:1 fuel to oil ratio. TWC 3 and roller bearings eliminated the heavy oil mixes.

[@nunomascarenhasribeiro]

Where can I find a prop for this motor?. Part number of the one in the video? Thank You

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Solas.com

[@RideOp74]

Great video, I just bought a '71 9.5 Sportwin and need to do some of this work to mine. But dude, don't you have an old t-shirt you could put on? I was a nervous wreck thinking you were gonna get grease on that cool Hawaiian shirt. 😎

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I like wearing the shirts and thanks for being concerned, much appreciated. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@tractormatt4301]

I never seem to find a good one, I’ve gone through several outboards, and I can never get one to run right. I can make any weedwhacker, chainsaw, lawn mower, snowblower, tractor, etc to run. But I just seem to be getting outboards that never want to run not matter how hot of spark they have, good compression, and a clean carb as well as good reeds!!!!!!!

[@timbrindley451]

another idea is to use that new uv blue light plastic glue to fix or make a knob work for the choke

[@ammaryassine7542]

Hello, I am from Tunisia. The engine is 9.1/2. It does not work. Please help me with thanks (we do not have spare parts for my country)

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Not having parts is a problem. Not sure what I can help you with.

[@ammaryassine7542]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Thank you But I set the setting o point I have the electric motor that runs in Platinum and it makes pops and doesn't work I beg your pardon because there is no one who can fix or have an idea on this type of engine I kindly ask you to help me, sir Thank you

[@fuzzyfultz]

Thanks Michael, another great video. Awesome little motor. I love your work Sir, just as I would do the same. Please be proud of your good work. I have a question, can you please report more info on the props you are using, as to the pitch and so on. I know it’s kinda complicated but someone needs to educate the rest of us. Knowing from some of my own experience, different pitches and prop sizes give completely different out comes. Thanks again.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I have actually been cataloging this information since obtaining the SeaNymph so it would give some head to head comparisons. We are on the same page. The next motor that goes on the Nymph I will be capturing and educating on this very subject. Thank you for watching.

[@fuzzyfultz]

RMD Creations that would be awesome. I will be watching and tuning in. Thank you Michael.

[@blueback21]

I have the 68 6 hp Johnson and I only get 4 1/2 miles an hour on a 9 foot zodiac, it seems really slow

[@sunmaster957]

hello, please tell me I have the same engine, very high consumption of 1 liter per 1 km, the engine does not reach a maximum speed of 12 km per hour, the compression is weak 65 psi

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yeah, that's pretty low compression, it will be low on power, thanks for watching

[@rossbaiza9369]

I would have expected more speed. I had a 14’ Sears with a 6HP Evinrude and myself plus three small kids got 12-13 mph. Love your videos!

[@willwenis4728]

R B I think the reason his speed might be slow is because he only had about 60 psi in each cylinder. I’m not sure what the compression should be for those old motors but I think that’s a little low either way

[@wish2fish37]

P. S. Usually cheaper to get prop repaired than buy new.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I would agree. On a prop this size you would pay half the cost of it just in shipping fees.

[@shutupimcooking120]

I run a 9.5 Johnson on a 14ft starcraft. It starts 1st pull everytime and runs 14mph with just me and 10 mph with 2 men.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That's pretty good. Thanks for watching

[@snwbrd2525]

Hey there! I just picked one of these motors up. Question for you... Is this an air or water cooled outboard and where is it located? Thank you! Have the 73’ 9.5 Johnson.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

They are water cooled and it has been sold.

[@richardcranium5839]

what lake is that ? wheres it located? looks nice

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Coralville Lake, Iowa

[@Rinde007]

My dad doesnt comment so im saying thanks from us both

[@elbowout]

Check the compression with the throttle wide open.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Ok will try that.

[@ct1762]

zero difference with a 2 stroke!

[@sadullahdikenli8333]

hello my hand in my 1968 model Evinrude 18 hp 2-stroke engine has a circulation of about do not want to return to life helps you can not find the part I live in turkey parts

[@JackedRado71]

Great video but IMO too heavy of a boat for that little motor. My little 9.5 absolutely sings on a 14’ meyers craft boat. Easily does 20+mph once on plane

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Fair enough!

[@travisburger4085]

There is no way that motor is reved out I have same one on my 12ft and I can push 30 planed out

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching. Us two dudes are quite heavy

[@brynenichols3144]

Agreed, I have the same motor and it revs much higher and gets my 12 ft aluminum going about 15. I’m not a small dude either…

[@blueback21]

Do you have any idea what the issue might be because my 6 hp sounds the same

[@mlbabineaux]

The reason it didn't have a gasket below the metal plate was because someone didn't use it.

[@billewald7611]

It should be faster ! Didn't sound like it was wide open .

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It was wide open, the 10 pitch prop will only push this amount of weight and boat design just so fast. Now the guy I sold it to got it up to 8 mph at 3/4 throttle on a 48" x 14' john boat with 3 guys in it.

[@blueback21]

My 6 hp 68 sounds exactly the same at full throttle, feels like something isnt right mostly because in neutral it revs way higher? I’m very curious about this.

[@cgriffybongo67]

Where life jacket... Or I can't watch anymore of your videos... And I do like your videos

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Well thanks for watching the one's you did, sorry to see you go, I'm going to do a transmission video soon and I'm not going to wear one for that.....it's way to hot here right now.

[@wish2fish37]

Don’t you check compression before buying motors?It is recommended to check it before buying so you don’t get ripped off.Those old motors are not worth enough to flip if you have to put too much money in it.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I don't overpay so even if the compression is bad I will use the motor for parts. Most of these old motors are worth more in parts than they are as a whole.

[@paullahocki2539]

I got you one better, shift lever broke, made one with pvc fittings for under $6

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That's how to get it done and keep fishing

[@tucanman9775]

LANYARD DUDE

[@tucanman9775]

MY NYMPH IS A LIGHT CAR TOPPER OR EXPLORER TOPPER

[@tucanman9775]

no way a sea nymph same here when i pull start my 9.5 theres only 4 inches to freezing cold cant swim water so FLOAT PODS are curing in my shop and im itching to go see if the fiberglass is done you cant have my adress the transom with float pods will keep my heavy 9.5 from pulling me under! i hate fiber glass heres a tip i found russian double loaf bread baking pans that are aluminum and would weld to my boat like warts on a toads butt when you bolt on your adjustable jack plate to move the seahorse up and back for 5mph theres only 2 inches from a cold bath U TUBE FLOAT PODS ADJUSTABLE JACK PLATE AND HAVE A NICE DAY

[@tucanman9775]

20 mph lets race Your phone will tell you how fast its called GPS