1973 Johnson 20 hp part 2. It' LIVES nothing a little head work can't fix. Great DIY fixes it all

In part 2 we bring this outboard back from the dead. This bad boy runs like it should again. We get the engine back to good compression, fix spark plug holes, repair gear box seal. Good stuff in this video. Check it out.

[@seniorLu48]

The Johnson 18 and 20 HP outboards are sure nice sounding motors. Also, you can't beat them on the power. They are a little plain Jane but I've seen some guys on KZbin decorate then with some nice colors along with new decals. Thanks for sharing.

[@darylhaack7752]

Good day Michael. I am a subscriber on your other channel Michaels Back Yard as well as this one. This particular video popped up on my You Tube. Was nice to see a boat motor repair even know the video is a few years old. As always look forward to whichever channel you post on. Cheers

[@samuelgiles7018]

Good mechanic been watching you for about six months you know what you’re doing doing a good job bringing these old motors back to life

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you very much. I'm trying hard to do it right. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@64samsky]

Thanks for what you do, Merry Christmas!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you too. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@aaronbickel1151]

Thanks for the great videos! Just got the same 1973 20hp Johnson running that hasn’t ran since the early 2000s thanks to you.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That is awesome!

[@billco-9801]

Smooth…fantastic throttle response. Great job Micheal

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks 👍 Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@sMileHighCity]

I just picked up one of these exact motors today. I know zero about motors. This video was very helpful! Thx!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it worked out for you.

[@genesloan3175]

Covered most of issues of an older outboard. Excellent!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for watching.

[@jeffreyduke3300]

Really enjoy the videos !!! You give alot of good info !!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I appreciate that!

[@heywoodclaxton988]

Love the videos they keep getting better!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you like them! I'm working hard to improve them. Comments are much appreciated. Thank you for watching

[@george12go]

Yeah IDK what I was thinking. Enjoyed the vid. Keep it up!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks! Will do!

[@thomasmurphy1907]

I appreciate this two-part video. I came across a 18hp '74 Evinrude which is very similar. I have some mechanical skill but have never messed with engines. I'm looking forward after watching your content.

[@scottcrawford7664]

Been watching for awhile now. Very good content. Got my 1960s sea king 15 going. Barn find that hasn't been in the water since mid 60s.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Good stuff. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@saenole66]

Great fix. Lots of quality work done on that old motor.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks 👍

[@gennarodimartino5777]

Keep up the good work and have a Merry Christmas

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks, you too!

[@badgerbob2226]

One more saved from the scrap pile, keep up the great work,

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks, will do! Happy Holidays Bob. The old fast twin is next on my hit list.

[@braddurant4386]

Great video!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@josephpayne9714]

You might rant on and on but you’re info is worth watching. Keep doing what you do.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I appreciate that, I will do my best to bring you great content.

[@joecorrie1]

great video, i have a 20 hp FD-22M and it won't even cough would love to see more on timing and that ramp adjustment, thanks for sharing.

[@outbackcountry512]

Have a 73 Johnson 6hp , in very mint condition , sat for almost all it's life in a guys garage . Redone the pump , swapped out the plugs , coils and points , changed bottom end oil , and it runs like day one .

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Should make a good fisher. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@george12go]

Itll be neat to see what you come up with in obscure parts.. Cool Idea!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Oh yes. Good stuff coming. Thanks for watching.

[@helicopterjohns]

Congratulations! I seems to run really nice. John

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks. Fun to make them run. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@EAFISHINGNYC]

It’s great what you’re doing 👍🤙

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I appreciate that!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Good job on this one. Sounds great.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks a lot! Thank you for watching.

[@broncodude2828]

Watching your videos has me looking at resurrecting my grandfathers 1952 Johnson Sea Horse 5. Been in my garage for over 25 years now. I used it a few years after I got it from him. Put new coils, points, condensers and plugs on it when I first got it. Ran good for a while, but then noticed some white-ish foamy stuff in water discharge so put her up and never got back in it. Way back then we didn’t have videos. Nothing like the old Stone Age 😆 Maybe help a fan out and find one of outboards I have and do a redirection 👍🙏🏻

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

1952 is an oldie. I don't think I have one that old to do a video on just yet. I bet you can get her running again.

[@rickbates4779]

helped me out heaps,cheers from New Zealand

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it helped.

[@johnb5519]

Great job. You got it purring like a kitten. I'd love to find a motor like that for $200.00. Sure beats the cost of buying a new one, that's for sure.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Right on. One mans trash is another mans treasure for sure.

[@jfasho28]

Great video! I have a Johnson Evinrude I believe 1973 or 1972. I do not have any knowledge as far as engines and mechanics go but your part 1 and 2 have me ready to start looking into it myself. My buddy got the motor to run by spraying starter fluid but it won't fire right up when I turn the key to the ignition. I was told the coil packs may need to be replaced. Going to try that and see what happens! Thanks for the great content!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Caution, don't use starter fluid on two stroke engines. You can destroy it. thanks for watching

[@gearheadgregwi]

Omg. So much easier than the Mercruisers I work on. I think I'm about to cry.

[@danielrobert7181]

As the lower unit was swapped at some time, I'd check the part number it sports. The one you got might very well need those 2 back to back seals. A video on synching (cam roller adjustment) would be a great spin-off from this one. Stay safe and be merry !

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for the tip. I did indeed put two back in. Why not I had them and there was room. I did the right thing. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@brngrofdeth]

Thank you once again. Much appreciated!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Very welcome!

[@shotslife]

Good stuff and Merry Christmas!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family as well

[@shotslife]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina what state are you in?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I’m in eastern Iowa about 45 miles from the Mississippi

[@paullahocki2539]

Awsome job 👏

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@adwyfriangliga8483]

Good job ! Merry Cristmas !!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Happy holidays! Thank you so much for watching

[@darrylmcleman6456]

Looking good! Keep an eye peeled for small 4stroke.9.9 or so.You would like the quiet power.Merry Christmas frrom westcoast Canada!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Happy holidays!

[@kentyler966]

Quiet yes but slow and heavy too.

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

Sweet, good job...

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks!

[@johnmccrea8106]

Thank you. Wonderful!!!!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasmartenson4862]

Nice work and exellent video. I am working on the same engine and wondering is there any idea of swapping the crank from a parts 25 with counterweights added from the factory?

[@davekimbler2308]

The OEM seals are thicker and double lipped ! Not to much money invested in a $600 motor , that’s what I sell them for after being serviced . I sell quite a few 6hp outboards here in Minnesota ( average 6 a year ) but the biggest seller is the 15hp for me ! Last year I sold 10 or 12 /20hp and 25hp but 20 /15hp ! And yes Evinrude is blue and Johnson is green and that lower unit is off a 18hp . You got lucky the shift rod seal is good because that’s usually where it leaks from ! Lol. Maybe think about joining the AOMCI club , we have a blast . If you do just tell them I sent you , we get points for new members ! Lol

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

All very good information. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TheNockingPoint]

Love watching you work on outboards! I have a 1985 20HP johnson (J20ELCOS) electric start remote steer on my 13' Alaskan. Have done some work on it. They are fine old engines. I would love to have a QUIETER modern EFI 25 HP with tilt trim. :-) But considering they cost about a grand more than my boat, motor and trailer it is not likely. I keep searching market place for a "spare" 20HP, came close to getting one a few times. May pick up a pristine 9.9 short shaft tiller from my dad. But then I would have to look for a "spare" boat to put it on. Well, let's be serious. I am always looking for a spare boat. :-)

[@TheNockingPoint]

And I need a bigger boat for the LI sound. ;-) >>>------> kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5SqYYOribaGZ9E

[@TheNockingPoint]

Michael, I would not have clogged up your comment section with these videos but I did not know how else to send them to you. Take care Jeff

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You an me both. I just this morning picked up a 1968 Starcraft Islander 22' 7" with a little cuddy cabin in original conditon. Videos coming early spring on that one.

[@TheNockingPoint]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Nice! That is a big boat. Looking forward to the video.

[@TheNockingPoint]

Sounds like a very nice great lakes boat.

[@TheNockingPoint]

@28:35 Keep up with what you are doing, I will keep watching. Drone on! You see how I did that? I crack myself up.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That is awesome! Thank you so much.

[@gregbell5975]

What’s a decent carb kit for 1973 20hp Johnson.? Thanks greg

[@kbrowne10]

The other guy took 2 seals out. He was correct. One facing up and one down.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

that is correct, thanks for watching

[@christianfletcher2672]

Hey, love the videos. On this, you need those 2 seals on the lower unit, facing different directions. One keeps water out, the other keeps gear oil in. Also, check how you installed the gasket on the tstat, looks like you may have put it in upside down, AROUND the tstat itself.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for the tips!

[@uhoh71]

I've done a few of those 70's vintage lower units and all had the two seals back to back. I see that the schematic shows one for that one. Not sure why some had one and some had two. Went back and looked and I see that the Evinrude 1974 15hp had the back to back seals for that year. Maybe that's what the lower unit came off of.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I did end up stuffing two in there because I had ordered two and it had the room.....better safe than sorry.

[@waynemartin5247]

Noisy bloody things, what's the thoughts on sticking Sound Proofing Acoustic Foam on the inside of the cowl?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I may put some in it.

[@leiframbjor8462]

What's a good place to buy parts for this engine?

[@8ballflowers]

I have a 1971 20hp johnson it will idle fine but when I go full throttle it almost gets on plane and engine bogs down then comes back up it does this repeatedly. (I mean the rpm's) What should I check first?

[@Steve-wz5pz]

Came for the outboard. Stayed for the pants. Seriously, nice work. You didn't check the head for warp. Was that off camera?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

oh yeah, always check for flat, thanks for watching

[@briandickey5916]

I have a 48hp johnson that idles to low runs perfect other then that. Can u tell me how to raise the idle?? It's a 2stroke. Thanks

[@ryanloomis5735]

I'm having a slight cough on my 20 horse, the carb is spotless, the points are clean the plugs look great, my mixture screw is 2 turns out and timing (linkage) is in-between the 2 lines did you slightly open the throttle with the linkage adjustment? The motor runs good but it could just use a little something, any tips?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

cough is usually a needle adjustment. Make small adjustments for fine tuning.

[@raymondmartin9710]

Do you know where a guy could find a head for a 1975 25 horse. Thanks

[@pemerhatinelayan2483]

Great video Sir..i have 1968 Johnson 20 hp.. I thinks it's similar engine.. Could you make a video for how to fill engine oil.. There's no video about filling oil on old Johnson outboard engine..Thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

There is no engine oil on a two stroke motor. Just 50:1 premix two stroke fuel. If you are talking gear box oil change, then watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKfddYGkpdRgeJY

[@pemerhatinelayan2483]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina okay... Thanks Sir, for sharing...I'll try open my engine tomorrow..

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael I have my first question about my 1973 25hp evinrude #25353 looks just like your motor in this video . 238 inch pounds is 19.8 correct thanks Chris from OHIO

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

This video should show what you are looking for kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKGtqH2mf7trqJY

[@user-lx4lg4wv9g]

Hi there Mr Michels RDM creations love your videos I've learned so much from them I have a sea horse Johnson I guess model# fd-22 m serial # j 292097 this one looks just like the you worked on with the blue foot on it I not sher what I've got I know I'm going to need parts and seals for the foot be very nice if you could let me know what I've got thank you so much if you can help my name is Eddie Gordon I live in fitzgerald GA

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1968&hp=20&model=FD-22A

[@minimonte1]

That gearbox should have the 2 seals in and the springs should both face UP. This is because they are for keeping water pressure out the gearbox. Keeping the oil in is secondary. The deeper the gearbox goes into the water, the more the water pressure increases. The gearbox oil pressure remains constant. It also looked to me that the roller on the carb was worn and that would give you the lean running. Excellent work...

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yep I ended up putting two in it. I bought two even though the schematic showed only one.

[@matthewcox8779]

Ok. This is a long shot. But. I have a 1973 18hp Johnson I’ve been working on. New coils. New points. New plugs. Getting fuel. Timed correct. (Literally able to do it all cause of these awesome videos.) but. I still can’t get it to fire up. Any suggestions? Maybe rebuild the fuel pump next?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Squirt some two stroke mix right down the throat of the carb and if it fires then you know it's the fuel pump. That's why I like the clear fuel line coming out of the pump to the carb. You can see if it is pumping like it should.

[@matthewcox8779]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina it did fire when I did that. So I will definitely be getting a fuel pump today and see how it goes. Thank you for the info. I’ll keep it posted if any more issues.

[@plantomm12]

Hi. where do you recommend buying the water pump kit for my jonhson 15hp 1985. thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marineengine.com

[@regio81]

man awsome videos man , ive been working on my 1971 johnson 25 hp .... right when i think its ready something happens lol ,,,,, well just a penny for your thoughts the crankshaft key busted on me so i bought a cheap one from tractor supply seemed to work right but after third run thing busts, did it again with same outcome, im biting the bullet and buying the oem hoping its the problem..... have you ever had that problem ?i would appriciate any feedback. thanks bud. fan from dallas texas.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Make sure the tapered area is clean on both surfaces, no build up, and make sure to properly torque the flywheel.

[@regio81]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina awesome, thanks for the tip

[@joshmontgomery866]

I have the same motor. Curious as to where your getting the replacement parts?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marineengine.come

[@joshmontgomery866]

Thank you!!!! Greatly appreciated. 👍🏻👍🏻 I’ve got this same exact motor.

[@TheFrogfeeder]

Man, you gotta rig up an electric starter on that tank somehow. I picture it on some kind of swing arm like a desk lamp has, that you can swing into place and then lock down and physically hold if necessary...

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Keep in mind this just keeps me tuned up for drawing my 80 lb bow for hunting. Think about the motion. I'm just drawing a bow on a giant buck LOL

[@TheFrogfeeder]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina well, i wasn’t aware that was a dual-purpose test tank! ;)

[@TheFrogfeeder]

Still, It would be a good project video tho!

[@blackmax9123]

Hello i need HELP I have the same 1973 Johnson 20hp outboard, I want to install new head gasket but I don't know what torque should I use, some say 96-120 inch pounds others say 216-240 inch pounds, which of these values ​​is correct, i I'm grateful if someone can help me

[@jarredallemand3519]

Do you have a certain hp outboard or brand outboard you prefer working on? Enjoy your videos

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

So far as to parts cost the old Johnsons and Evinrude's seem to cost less than the Mercs, other than that I don't have a preference

[@chriseisele9969]

Well Michael you got a Jonnyrude your right probably $600 + at a marina

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

thanks and thanks for watching

[@chriseisele9969]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina btw I love your channel and watch them multiple times as it helps me learn more Chris from OHIO . GO BUCKEYES

[@LJTomlinson1]

Mike are any of your boat motors for sale?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I put them on facebook market place when they go up for sale.

[@daverobinson9351]

Almost all oil seals are doubled up. One isn't enough. Check the book

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sounds good

[@hookntoads379]

What’s the worst thing that would happen if I didn’t have a thermostat

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

it would just not run up to its' full potential because it would not hit 145°, thanks for watchin

[@Ramrod-qb6fq]

Let us know when you start selling them!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Will do, Thanks for watching

[@Ramrod-qb6fq]

RMD Creations keep up the good work!!

[@jessiemathews3957]

Where do you find the parts for those motors

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marine engine.com

[@jessiemathews3957]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I've got a few motors to fix and a few I need to get rid of

[@jeffbrown646]

What ever happened to the 9.9 with the big secret? Never saw a video after part 1.5 where you discovered the cracked carb cover.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It's still in pieces. I need to get it put back together. I now have all the replacement parts.

[@gregbell5975]

1 seal keeps gear oil in the other seal keeps water out. 2 back to back

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

correct, thanks for watching

[@michaelwheal9331]

hi. I'm looking for some help. I got a pair of 1988 mercury 60hp that are hard to start when cold. I have checked the reed valves and compression and spark. they run ok once started. I hope someone can help me .

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I haven't messed with any of the bigger outboards. Wish I could help. Maybe someone watching can help.

[@michaelwheal9331]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina oh ok. Thanks.

[@curtbrown9702]

I'm staying. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sounds good. Thanks for watching

[@tuyo_adventures.2185]

shouldn't use a rolling torque style wrench for that application.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Why not?

[@timothyruggles3031]

Their is a formula to use a offset and extension you can look up . Used it in the military..

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

good to know. Thanks for watching

[@user-lx4lg4wv9g]

Mr.michel I'm looking for your videos no you putting a kill switch pushbutton form NAPA auto I have the part need to know to wire it in just find your videos thanks EddieGordon fitzgerald ga 31750 time 8:45pm Thursday

[@wayneperry2473]

Hi I like your channel and what you’re doing but I’m illiterate I can’t read it would be better if you said what you was doing instead of putting the writing up because by the time I get the remote and try and find someone to help me write it it’s gone off thank you

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching.

[@randymiller1604]

There needs to be a gap of006 between the cam and the cam follower on the curb at idle speed and especially when adjusting the low-speed needle very important

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

sounds good, thanks for watching and commenting

[@seankaufman2011]

Trade ya 73 evinrude 18hp and 75 Johnson 6hp.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It’s not ready for prime time yet. The 6 hp I have already nobody wants to buy. Straight across trade won’t work for me.

[@seankaufman2011]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina sounds good. Would definitely love to purchase a good running 20ish hp give or take a little motor whenever you got something ready to sell.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

@@seankaufman2011 doe you live in Iowa or near eastern Iowa?

[@seankaufman2011]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I live in Illinois. An hour east of the quad cities

[@seankaufman2011]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina how far are you from the quad cities?

[@artswanson5301]

Good morning Sir. My name is Art. A couple of months ago I contacted you about a possible donation to project I am trying to get going to take handicap children on boat rides in a boat they build themselves. I am looking for a 20-25hp motor short shaft preferred either tiller or remote steering. You replied and asked me where I lived It is Westminster CO. If you are interested please let me know. Thank you

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sorry I don’t ship outboards

[@artswanson5301]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina ok thanks for getting back to me. Merry Christmas

[@Muscleupsanddangles]

Cool video. Way too much loctite. Literally 10x what is needed