Fixing an old Johnson 50 hp Outboard I got at Auction! Will it run?

I recently picked up several outboards from auction. The condition of this old Johnson is unknown. I believe it is a 1991 with a 1998 replacement powerhead. This is Part 1 as I attempt to bring this motor back to life.

[@anthonycyprusjr7829]

Nice find-I have a 2001 Johnson 50 hp and she had a new powerhead that was a warranty job that the original owner had performed before I bought the boat,motor,trailer in 2003,still have the ole gal and is getting total lower unit rebuild done.Last compression check I had done showed 135 psi in each of the 2 cylinders!The compression is better than what mine has and that motor is easy as pie to work on.

[@Comraduk]

Nice outboard. Same as mine. That red flag on the primer, once turned to 90 degrees allows for manual shoking, if you use the rope start when your battery is flat. Also check out handbook for carburator synchronization. It is not too complicated but provides for an even power delivery and smooth idling. Upper spark plug looked too clean for a two stroke... a sure sign of water getting in to the cylinder (blown head gasket possible) - so just keep an eye out for that. Regards!

[@jegsdinogod5091]

Came across an old 20 hp johnson. So this is informative

[@gearheadgregwi]

Dumping my 22" with Mercruiser and downsizing. Researching outboards. Your vids are awesome.

[@alg335]

Nice pickup from the auction!

[@Woxzyy]

loving these videos, keep killing it

[@reubenadams3167]

Cheers for the run down on that engine m8 gd stuff

[@chriseisele9969]

Great job on it

[@MakeItBetter1]

Thank you!

[@chriseisele9969]

Waiting on part 2

[@harveynewman4333]

good,show. you do good work. i,also do outboard motor repairs

[@TruthFactFinder]

I wish that you didn't speed through the carburetor disassembly, cleaning, and assembly so fast!!! I couldn't see anything.. LOL My fishing buddy is having trouble with his Johnson 50hp Outboard J50BELCCS. He made the mistake of storing his boat over-the-winter, without draining the fuel. On first startup, it took forever... then it kept dying (while idling) without upping the throttle about 1/3rd; for most of the day... It would die every time he tried to put it in gear. I asked him if he had removed the carburetors and cleaned the idle and main jets, and he said no. Right now, I'm researching to learn how to fix his cabs. He says his outboard is either a 1997 or 89. I wonder if he too has a replacement engine, because it looks to be in excellent condition.

[@ct1762]

great way to seize or trash a piston. as soon as i notice anything out of the ordinary, im limping back to the dock. extremely easy to clean these carbs and install new needles. your friends 1988 also need a new t stat and poppet valve grommets!

[@unsaltedlife5998]

Very nice 👍

[@MakeItBetter1]

Thank you!

[@BradM766]

What compression range is it supposed to be? I just picked up a 1984 Johnson 50hp today.

[@chiefoutdoors]

i lost my tilt on an evinrude e50tlcec and tried to use manual release but still cant lift the engine up.

[@ct1762]

90% of these, including yours, are missing the outer sleeve on the cam and spark advance rollers. extremely important! you cant do a proper synch n link without them. cam roller CANNOT be touching throttle cam at idle.

[@storyoc]

the thermostat housing looks to bee 1989 to 1992-it changes in 1995 for sure as i have one and many 89-92 s--havent watched all video yet but 89-92 has a smaller diameter driveshaft than 1993 and later-just saying

[@storyoc]

one more thing-89-92 the power pack is under the flywheel-1995 and up the pack is under the tilt and trim relays and there is no cover

[@harveynewman4333]

1989 thru 1992,used a 14 spline drive shaft. 1993 and up used a 17,spline,drive shaft.

[@MakeItBetter1]

That is good to know. I'll be pulling the lower unit shortly, so I'll see what I have.

[@storyoc]

@@harveynewman4333 hey i got a 1995 johnson 50hp that has the smaller driveshaft-i kinda think somebody stuck a 89-92 crank into and installed the older style gearcase-weird-the powerhead has outside power pack and the thermostat is way diff than the 89-92-thats what caught my eye when i watched this video

[@harveynewman4333]

@@storyoc i have seen that as well. it also may have a different head on it for the thermostat