1973 Johnson 25hp meets the SeaNymph, can the Nymph handle the Johnson, pump, points, condenser, run

In this video I pick up an old 1973 25 hp Johnson outboard and work a little TLC and bring it back to life. It makes you think a bit about what happened over it's 47 years of existence and how it came to land into my hands for one more rejuvenation and hopefully live on for many years to come. For me it performed like it was brand new. I really enjoy seeing these old outboards come back into being.
Follow the link to the ignition I purchased:
amzn.to/3vJNs2N

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

You did a fine job getting the old outboard going. When I come across older outboards I look for fresh water use only and electronic ignition. That eliminates a fair amount of headaches right there.

[@mitchz.6234]

Love that you do close ups and show us your detail work .....keep those vids coming RMD!!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks, will do!

[@PremiumWood]

Thanks for this! Just acquired a 1973 Johnson 25hp that needs some work. I’ll be watching your video on repeat for the next while.

[@ramonzavala3875]

Great tutorial video. I really picked up good instructions on how to work on my own Johnson 25 hp motor. Thanks you got my vote!!👍🤠🎣

[@angelmendoza6833]

Thank Michael. Enjoyed this video.

[@adwyfriangliga8483]

Wonderful explications ! Well done ! I like old JohnnyRude !!!

[@Showmethefish]

Great job man ...love those old 70's.. Tuff and simple

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes they are

[@sirjustis]

This old outboard, baaaabyyyyy lol. I love his channel too!!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

He reminds me of the old guys who I grew up around and made things work. These older guys like me doing these videos are a documentary of the old ways which worked. To me this is an important resource for years to come. Thanks to Mike firing up the 3D printer will be able to make some reproduction of parts no longer made for these motors. There are also people who are building reproduction milled parts on saved old milling machines. Built in American is coming back with pride and workmanship again👍

[@troymachovec]

Fixing old engines like this is so fun! Glad to see it runs!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It really is enjoyable to bring them back.

[@gnarlybrew]

My new favorite channel. You seem to have a video on each motor I work on!

[@cerescop]

Just bought a used boat with a 96 Mercury 25 on it. First thing I did was order a pump kit and replace the whole pump assembly. Thanks for the vids that helped me do it. She runs like top and pumps more water now that the pump is good. Needed the boat for recreation I just retired.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad the videos have helped. Enjoy your retirement.

[@wish2fish37]

Another good video.Thanks for the switch info..For safety reasons I pulled the old style kill switch off and put a Sea Dog Lanyard style on my 1985 Johnson that still had that old style.Justanother option out there if your not worried about being period correct.

[@supercrew63]

i had a 1982 version of that motor, i know pretty much the same thing pushed my 16' kenner ski barge at 18 mph and would only use 6 gallons all day...loved that old motor.

[@markf6743]

Thank you Michael. I have a 74 Seahorse, exactly the same. Great tips!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching

[@jasper60103]

Nice video and restoration. Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joe4586]

Enjoyed. Just bought a boat with exact same motor. Very helpful information

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliodanielbaca7419]

Ho man this is the video I needed I got me a 25hp Johnson I don't know nothing about it keep the videos coming BRO thanks a LOT

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You got it!

[@lrob2088]

Just discovered your channel. Fantastic video, so informative. Your video was so detailed, nobody else goes into the depth that you do. Keep up the good work.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Awesome, thank you!

[@kevinwaller6572]

Not really Dangar Stu, the Aussie, goes into great detail, as well as ensuring all procedures are shown. That said, old mate here does a good job of getting old motors going.

[@stevepickett4258]

Thank you for the video it help me alot

[@richardelinskas6663]

Absolutely subscribed! Very well done 👍. You are truly awesome 👏

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for the kind words and for watching

[@thomashuskey3531]

Thank you for being so cool ! Love the way you show the American Flag !!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Always! Love America and its' Flag. Stay Free and thank you for watching and commenting.

[@mgglight]

good stuff, same way I transport my stern troller, and same main reason I have it too, just in case the outboard craps out. The trolling motor also works great for putting over to pull lobster hoop nets.

[@tractormatt4301]

I love benefiting from knowledge 😉. But seriously, all your videos have awesome info, and really keep me wanting to watch more. You do it right, but cheap, and people don’t do it like that anymore.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@davidturner7040]

Your like an older northern me! Awesome man. Thanks for the vid helped me out on 75. I run mine saltwater it's brutal.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Salt from what I understand is brutal on outboards

[@macprince5667]

I like your videos. Very informative.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you like them!

[@faronmastin8683]

I live the same way life is to short live it to the fullest. And try to get a little something done everyday. I'm building a houseboat plus just traded for a 16' Starcraft SFM 160 with a Yamaha pro 50 1988 plus 2 other motors I need to finish so watching your videos help keep me motivated.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you are inspired, keep up the great work and projects

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael I love your videos. I learned sooooo much you explain so well as I am mechanically declined but your giving me a lot of confidence that I can do this thanks Chris from the rustbelt of ohio

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Great to hear! Just dive in. There are enough videos on you tube to keep you going.

[@dandonna1983]

You have that same look I get after I get an old outboard running and on the water that’s a great feeling

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It really is, thanks for watching and commenting

[@krustysurfer]

Outstanding tutorial 🤩 aloha from the great lakes

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks so much

[@FoodPornNetwork]

Great video! Very detailed, informative and inspirational

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steelerfaninerie]

Another great video. Thanks.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks again!

[@jameshawelu4916]

This is awesome. I’m gonna give it a go.

[@wphun]

The vid on this is really great!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

thank you and thanks for watching

[@dougtorgerson6657]

Hi, I have been watching your vids and enjoying them. One important thing to watch is the wave washer under the flat screw holding your points on. I noticed when you took the screw out, the wave washer was still stuck to the old points, not still under the screw. When you put the screw back into the new .points, the washer was not under the screw. The washer is designed to hold the points fast, but still allow you to adjust them fully tightened via the turn screw below. Try it next time, easier and more accurate than tightening the screw while holding the feeler guage. Keep up the good work, it is satisfying bringing these great motors back to life again.

[@krustysurfer]

Yup saw that too, I bet he noticed as well 😉

[@patrickrede]

Nice drone shots. Beautiful lake.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cameronbehnke7017]

So cool looking for one of these for the spring

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

They are out there to find.

[@OutBoardTink62]

Very nice video well edited.Those 70s 25HP were fantastic motors.Still many around.I noticed you had the gear and clutchdog upgrade decal on the engine exhaust cover thats a good thing lower end was upgraded.Last time I checked it was a $400 upgrade. Its all new in the gearbox too kaboot.

[@ronsteitz4535]

Love the Old boat motors. Mike you do a great job repairing them. The only thing that can kill an old Johnson is the labor cost to repair them. I currently own a 9.9 Johnson long shaft that I wish to change to short shaft for current conditions .I found your videos very informative and to the point. Thank-You

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Is the current condition your boat should have a short shaft due to the transom?

[@ronsteitz4535]

No, I use the 9.9 on boats we get furnished with cabin we rent in Wisconsin. This resort only has short transom boats so that’s why I need to change my motor over. It’s our resort of choice for now.

[@lestat143]

Damn awesome video buddy, thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you sir and thank you for watching and commenting.

[@jeffalden6769]

I like your how specific you are with projects

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you and thanks for watching

[@scottscaneh]

you make it look so easy

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you.....it's all done with camera tricks LOL

[@mikedurhan9941]

Thank you for rescuing that motor from "Bubba the mechanic". What a great motor.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It's fun to do it right.

[@russellday8102]

I made that kill switch fix 15 years ago when I choked at the price of a factory replacement. It does one thing, easy.

[@johnmclouth6415]

nicely done, I currently have a qd-16 I want to rebuild similar to this project...You've inspired me to try. Thanks.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You can do it!

[@johnmclouth6415]

RMD Creations And I’ve said the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time for my whole life...it’s a great philosophy to live by!

[@WraysWays]

I have a 1972 Johnson 25 horse 50th anniversary model runs like a dream

[@Showmethefish]

I work on more mercury's around here and have for yrs... but I do the same on the kill switch... Also I install a tilt and trim switch onto lower cow somewheres if it has trim... But great job on your videos...I really like watching them....my wife says I should do the same...she even got me a camera set up... But again keep the vids coming....

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It's takes a little time for sure but put that camera to use

[@viciouscycle8890]

Made that same stop switch fix 15 years ago when I fixed my motor, still works great if you were wondering about reliability. Now for new crank seals.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Great to know....thank you for the feedback

[@s.v.gadder1443]

I just chock mine🤣🤷‍♂️

[@danielrobert7181]

Hey, you really are part of the Elite Outboard Trio along with Kodibass and T.O.O. Keep those videos and wonderful shirts coming (you ought to merchandize those).

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you like them! I like watching those guys too. Check out OM Fishing, he is very knowledgeable

[@danielrobert7181]

Well the Elite trio is inclined to entertainment while Om Fishing and especially Brandon's Garage are more into communicating technical info. This last gentleman made an awsomely complete serie on rebuilding an OMC 15hp.... a must see. Anyhow, I do value your videos a lot. Stay safe and be merry !!

[@seankaufman2011]

Not sure exactly and I know they're pretty much the same, but I think the paint and hood indicate it's an Evinrude. Anyways, great video. Keep up the good work. Extremely helpful.

[@mikedurhan9941]

I think it is an evinrude also - not that it really matters.

[@zackjohnson5247]

Hi, absolutely love your channel! Have watched a ton of them this week! You’ve inspired me to replace my water pump on my 84’ Johnson … went well… kinda but I bumped the shift linkage on reassembly and now when I get it running the shift indicator don’t make what the prop is doing… any suggestions… it’s been kicking my ass. Had it apart a dozen times! Also still no stream outta my tell tale, I replace the thermostat as well. Thanks for any insight!! Really enjoy the information on your channel!

[@ronaldwarren5220]

Woo hoo - she runs!

[@gregbell5975]

Nice appreciate the inside, keep busy. Greg/Forked River 😂

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

will do. It's turned very cold here this past week, thanks for watching

[@paullahocki2539]

Moving along there pretty good

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Oh yeah it scooted things along pretty good.

[@breadscout]

I'd love if you could show what u did with the throttle cam. would really help out with those of us new to outboards. thanks 😊

[@petersallander2455]

I have a Garmin fish finder I haven't worked with it very much but it seems to be pretty good. It also works on longitude and latitude that's how you mark the spots or place you want to go.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes sir I have a garmin I put on my glasspar boat

[@ct1762]

haha ever notice how compression keeps going up the longer you turn it over after it's been sitting? i bet the top one is really 110psi since you did it first. will come up some with a new gasket ( needs to be done since it hasnt ran in years. never know if its leaking a tiny bit into the cylinders) and running. nice work thanks for the video!

[@chuckcecconi8801]

Very nice video, but you make assembling the points harder than you need to. If you put them together before installing them less of a head ache.. Two guys that also have excellent videos are "OldJohnnyRude" and "Dude" thanks for the detailed video. I just picked up a 1972 25252R Evinrude 25 hp sportster tiller electric and pull start.. this thing has maybe 15 hours on it . A real time capsule.. $100.00 .. I'm going through it because it's 50 years old.. tearing into it soon as all the parts come in(basic stuff).. thanks again Chuck

[@tuyo_adventures.2185]

Can you please show us how you did the cam adjustment? I am very interested to see, Thanks.

[@Memo-nd6fj]

Great video, sure am glad someone (you) are out there for all of us who need help. You mentioned that you got it up to 20mph, I have a 1975 Johnson, and I was able to get it up to 25mph? Not sure what the difference would be? Anyway, thanks again for a great video! I subscribed bc you deserve it.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Welcome aboard and thanks for watching and sharing.

[@jdram58]

looks good Id like to know how it performs cuz ur boat n mind are similar I need to improve my transom as well.

[@tcwest222222]

Any pointers on setting the shaft screw on the shift linkage properly? I can't tell if I got mine right. It's either that or the clutch dog. Doesnt seen to want to stay in forward gear and the shifter feels funny/loose

[@L2fish]

How do you adjust the cam roller? I want to check my 1964 28 evinrude

[@marcus123841]

Great video ,I wish you would have shown how to link and sink adjustments, throttle cam roller setting to stator plate ,the adjustments how to set exactly many people have issues with the sneeze caused by out of adjustments

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Great suggestion!

[@sirjolly81]

My dad has the same engine, Maybe closer to the 1980's but similar. rebuilt like 20 years ago. But it runs rough. It definitely needs work done to it but he just reckons its fine. "Just needs a good run to clear it out" says that every time and every time it feels like its runs worse :P I need to convince him it needs some TLC.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

If it has good compression then check the points. Make sure they are clean and gapped properly. After that and it still runs a little tough then the carb could use a good cleaning.

[@mobando45]

I'm working on a 78 Johnson 25hp and just about to finish up the lower end due to a bad clutch dog. I'm hoping to be on the water soon with a smooth running motor like that. Any advice on how to link and sync the carbs, throttle, and cam roller? I feel like when I was on WOT, it was only at half power. Thanks!

[@waynemartin5247]

Can you do the ignition timing on this motor please? would the specifications be the same for the 1975 version?

[@sstatic6093]

I'm going to subscribe to ur channel cause you don't seem like the type of guy that mines or scared to share all your knowledge

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you. I like showing people how to get it done for themselves and save some money

[@oskaralm3174]

Hey looking for some help here! Hopefully you read this or someone with knowledge does. Me and my friend recently bought a Evinrude 25hp 360cc sportster. Basically the same motor. It has spark fuel and compression. We tried setting the ignition and breaker points but now it just backfires and has only started once and it ran for 5sec before going back to backfiring constantly when pulling the starter wire. Could it have to do with the ignition being set in the wrong way? Or bad breakerpoints or condenser?

[@jonhutchens9770]

RMD, a great product to use on electrical is liquid electrical tape. It seeps into cracks and does a good job waterproofing.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I will keep that in mind

[@CesarAlvarez42]

Is the Cam Roller, the shift cam. My 10hp is doing the same thing, won’t keep running. Fires for about 2 seconds

[@jshenderson]

Do you what the prop specs were on this outboard?

[@timothyruggles7396]

Duck hunter.... That is a winner

[@stevekamitsis1327]

Really good video I enjoyed it a lot maybe because when I was younger I had one of those engines but by today's standard does the old Johnson really equal a current 20 hp because I think those were rated at the flywheel instead of the prop which is how its done now bye Steve

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

depends on the year of the outboard when they changed the way they rate them, thanks for watching

[@ReignOfGlory]

How did you get the outboard to lean that far forward when removing driveshaft? I have a 1975 25HP, thanks!

[@anthonylatronica5108]

Mike fyi I always use wire feeller gauges to set points. Much more accurate as well as easier.

[@Adjustedpriorities]

Hawaiian shirts and a shout out to This Old Outboard?! You got my sub! Good video.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Welcome aboard!

[@viciouscycle8890]

To get rid of the aluminum oxide, get some phosphoric acid (painters metal prep) in a squirt bottle and spray it down and watch it foam. Rinse with water before it dries, gives you nice clean metal ready for paint or on our case a fine layer of oil and munge.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Cool, next motor I have that is oxidized I will have to give it a try.

[@mikedurhan9941]

I hate to sound so critical, but you will do so much better with adjusting the points if you leave the wavy washer under the screw of the primary points mounting screw. Great video.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I'll definitly keep that in mind next go round

[@jonhutchens9770]

I found one where the previous mechanic put the flywheel on without lining up the key. It crushed the woodruff key but I was able to buy a new one at the hardware store for $1.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Nice, glad you were able to save it.

[@aestokesrees]

I've got the same motor. Guy I bought it from said it's 4-stroke, so I've been doing trips all year on straight gas. But your video makes it seem like a 2-stroke because you did not mention crank/sump oil. Amazing that I've put 100s of gallons of gas through without overheating or seizing up!!??

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

What? No way it's a two stroke running on straight gas without seizing up. Must have more info on the year make and model.

[@aestokesrees]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thanks, it's a Johnson 25, model J25RWENB

[@stevecalderman457]

Can you show us how to put a starter motor on a 9.9 Johnson evinroude 1976, I Have a heart problem and a stater would make it easier for me...

[@brianpowell3459]

Where at in Iowa do you live?

[@Darryl792]

Good video. Enjoyed the content. Love the old Johnsons. I had to sub. How much did the entire project cost?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I had about $50 in parts

[@michaeltooley7573]

Hey Mike ...Do I need to use a lead additive in my old 1962 Sea king 3hp? Or is it ok to use regular 50:1 2 cycle oil?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I would not use any gas with alcohol in it and I would recommend a good quality 2 stroke oil. The oil is no place to save money.

[@Michael-fd3wj]

I am absolutely enjoying your videos, especially because my first experience is with Johnson outboard motors. I think I heard you mention where you buy your parts from but I can't seem to find it. Please let me know where. Also I got my 79 Johnson 15hp motor for $100. It seems to be missing the air silencer, and has questionable compression. Other than that it has spark and the gear oil has no signs of water. Is it worth saving?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Definitely. Marine engine. com

[@seankaufman2011]

Do you have links for the the stuff used for the kill switch?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

check out the description on this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poDZeGSGdtZ9hdU

[@ludvigdahlberg6982]

Very nice video :). Have an evinrude 25 from 1980. It runs really bad kinda like yours did first. What was that cam roller that you adjusted?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It was the linkage adjustment. It was giving it too much throttle.

[@tobydykes8781]

How do you adjust the low speed needle valve /how many turns?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

1 1/2 turns backed out from bottomed out to start.

[@ALVintageOutboards]

Did you flip the clutch dog tool over to install the seal?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I didn't. Thanks for watching

[@michaeltooley7573]

You said earlier in the video you were gonna do something with the corrosion on the motor!! What would you have done with it if you were going to clean it up!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I'm going to try some of the aluminum brightener I use to clean up the boat to see if that works.

[@pepegan52]

Gidday Michael. Phil from Aus here. this might be another project for you as you seem to have access to stuff. How about a nylon bearing for the mag. plate for this vintage motors. Cheers

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I would check out marineengine.com

[@thesolevlogger6363]

Great vid man, I just picked up on of these off my neighbor yesterday but it needs significantly more work. Where can you get parts for those, what website?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marineengine.com

[@dposer10]

If you spray the motor down with wd40 it will help with the corrosion problems. You can do the same thing with the carb after you clean it to keep it from flash corroding.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Great tip!

[@chuckerroo5977]

Great informative video Michael

[@robl6570]

Can you do a roller cam adjustment. I have a 20r73a. Pretty sure it's off. I need a rich lean rod still which I can't find. Figure I can make one. And is there an idle adjustment. Thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I sold the motor. I will have more opportunities. I have more of them to work on.

[@kentyler966]

Hey Bud, how do you feel about using non OEM pump parts vs OEM pump parts? I find lots of non OEM parts but few sources for OEM stuff. Can you tell me where you get your parts from? Thank you

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

So far I have used both. Marineengine.com for OEM parts and Amazon has a lot of non OEM parts, both so far have worked well for me.

[@melvincolvin7123]

I have a 73 johnson 25hp motor that I can't get to start. I've rebuilt the carb and fuel pump, but it want start. When I spray some fuel directly into the cylinder, it starts until that fuel is gone. I know fuel is getting to the card, but not to the cylinders. What could be the problem, any advice would help.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Are you sure all the passages and jets were clear in the carb? are you sure you have the in and the out correct on the fuel lines going to and from the fuel pump correct?

[@18Stingray1]

Could you show how you adjusted the throttle cam on this motor?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I no longer have the motor. I will be doing more motors similar to this in the future. stay tuned.

[@sirjustis]

Hey!!! May i ask where you buy your parts from? Ive been waiting 4 weeks from one place, and that’s not cool

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marineengine.com

[@marioflavin2141]

Hi i am in the U.K. and have a 73 Johnson 20 HP short shaft i have put points and flywheel back on and the mag plate is loose what causes this thanks.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

without being there it is hard to say. Some of the screw go through to the back of the mag plate, are they are in?

[@Geoff321]

I have a 1976 115 Johnson it has a bog at idle speed when I go to excel excelerate it has 4 carburetors .how intimating is it re clean the carbs?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

There's a lot of moving parts there. Just take lots of pictures prior to taking it apart and you will be fine.