1982 Johnson 35hp with head gasket issues Can we bring it back? Lots of details

In this video we are working on an overheated 35hp Johnson. Can I bring it back from the dead?
Follow the links below to items in this video:
maxrules.com/models/Merc_mode...
www.leeroysramblings.com/OMC_...
www.marineengine.com
Follow the links below for products used in this video.
Follow the links to the items used in the video:
Car Battery Tester 24V 12V Load Tester, TOPDON BT200 amzn.to/30Lbxfy
PerTronix 1146A Ignitor for Delco 4 Cylinder Distributor amzn.to/2Y9j0ny
Mercruiser Water Circulating Pump amzn.to/3BMJRUQ
CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, SAE / Metric, 189-Piece (CMMT12034)
amzn.to/3jOfN58
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit, 2-Tool
amzn.to/3zkEI4N
Actron CP7527 Inductive Timing Light amzn.to/3zQeGY7
Engine Cylinder Compression Tester Kit
amzn.to/3zoaspV
Autolite Box of 4 Genuine 403 Copper Resistor Spark Plugs
amzn.to/3jL6TFp
Quicksilver 866340Q03 Oil Filter amzn.to/3kWEPyq
PerTronix 40611 Flame-Thrower 40,000 Volt 3.0 ohm Coil , Black
amzn.to/3ylZwIM
Quicksilver 816761Q14 Spark Plug Wire Kit
amzn.to/3mJv9K0
Seaworks Dual Feed Muff Style Boat Motor Flusher
amzn.to/3jsHws8
Video equipment used
Canon 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

[@RN67POST]

Good video! Learned a lot 👍😬 . Lucky haven’t got one with a over heat problem yet, been collecting outboards ! You , kodi , and this old are my favs. Look every day for new vids 😀keep um coming. Can’t get enough!!!!👍

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks 👍 I will keep em' coming for sure.

[@rickyniver9591]

Just fixed my 77 Johnson 35hp by following this video. Thanks a bunch. Also replaced thermostat while i was in there too

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Awesome, thanks for watching and comments

[@stephaniehuffman3007]

Great video, really helpful using what ive learned for my own 1979 35 johnson seahorse

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Awesome, glad it was helpful, thanks for watching

[@evinrudej]

Ready for the season can’t wait for more videos! Hope to see some more lake runs this season. 👍🏼

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I’m ready for more water shots my self

[@chriseisele9969]

Always learning from you Michael thanks Chris from OHIO

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful

[@44bthoj44]

My Johnson 20 seahorse i bought might have this issue too. I bought it recently and didnt do the proper checks. Just pulled out my wallet. The impeller was stripped and i believe it over heated. My compressions are currently 95 top and 60 bottom. I hope your video is my solution too. Excited to work on it.

[@Robert_Rank]

Thank you for another educational and informative video!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You bet! thanks for watching

[@joeychilton6726]

The sandpaper your looking for in 180 grit is for an inline sander. 3"×16" sticky back. I stick several pieces to a piece of glass and do figure 8s. Automotive painter for 34 years/outboard hobbyist. Great channel,enjoy the videos. Thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for the tips! and thanks for watching

[@supercrew63]

I do the same stickyback paper to glass...I too was a car painter back in the day...

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael as ALWAYS thank you your a GREAT teacher Chris from OHIO

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I appreciate that! Thank you for watching

[@chriseisele9969]

Btw im picking up a 1973 evenrude 25 hp needs work so ill have questions for you brother Chris from OHIO

[@regio81]

Awesome man! I did the sanding on my old 25hp johnson with the figure 8 but really didn't know if I was doing it right. Thanks for all the explanation. Whenever I go back to fixing her up I'll know what to look for right.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching

[@iancameron198]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina do you have any vids of rebuilding a recoil on a 87 20hp johnson.ours needs to be cleaned and the rope broke and a spring also a plastic dog broke.PLEASE HELP.any parts brake downs.to look at

[@anthonylatronica5108]

Nice job Mike

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you and thanks for watching

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Hi Mike, I started using my Dewalt drill motor 1/2" to work with my motors but it was too much for a cordless. I bought a 1/2" corded Dewalt on sale for 90 bucks at Home Depot and works great. I also bought a ratcheting 1/2" adapter that is reversable to start the motors to save the old arm. With the adapter when the motor starts the adapter will free spin so it doesn't take you and the cord for ride.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah I worked that drill pretty good. Thanks for watching

[@timconklin8489]

Thanks for the update on the 20 hp mercury I hope the drive shat doesn’t break on you when your testing on the Good Enough boat. Great work on the fifty horse motor and with all the resistance gone on the throttle cable it looks like you got a good fix there and things will flow smoothly. Looking forward to the carb work. Thanks, Tim

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

If she blows she blows. Thanks for watching

[@TheNockingPoint]

Nice work.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Much appreciated. Thanks as always for watching and being a long time viewer

[@peteryeung111]

Great video Mike. Just picked up a 82’ evinrude 25hp. Bottom cylinder 110, top 70 psi. I’ll do this sanding procedure, if the crankshaft seal checks out. P.s…parts in the U.S are a lot cheaper and accessible than here in canada 😖

[@johnmccrea8106]

You are great at this!!!! When will part 3 come out???? Pleads hurry!!

[@badgerbob2226]

water pump ? looks like you will have a nice runner. i just picked up a 1958 3 hp johnson and that makes number 8 for me, yes i have a problem LOL, keep up the great work and have fun.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

They are addicting. Thanks for the long time viewership.

[@wernerkeggenhoff2065]

Great video again Mike . You need to get yourself a nice little glass bead cabinet would make those parts look like new again

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Great idea

[@iancameron198]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina where can I find a brake down of parts for a 20 hp Johnson motor.i have model and serial.thanks.

[@k6outdoors]

That head turned out nice after a little elbow grease. Not sure what a ruler is, definitely nice to have a good scale for a straight edge!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

LOL, thanks for watching

[@victoroneschuck4139]

Good video! No gasket sealer? No antiseize on the bolts? I know..those head bolts are pricey!! Thanks for the demonstration!

[@boostedidiot]

I’m wondering the same thing about gasket sealer. Not at home right now so I can’t check my service manual to see if it says to use any or not

[@anthonylatronica5108]

Mike I would also check the exhaust port cover plate.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I think I will replace those gasket after I hear it pop and run for a little bit. Thanks for watching

[@jasper60103]

Another great instructional video. That cylinder head turned out great. Good job! Question…How do you keep your shirts so nice and clean? LOL. 😀 Thanks for sharing.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Have a good washer lol. Thanks for watching

[@alg335]

Nice job! Got a 1980 50HP Johnson with 90 PSI on both cylinders that runs and pumps water great for about $500! I total agree with your comments! I will be replacing the wiring harness before putting it on the water! (wires are a bit frayed) But to your point, if you have compression, great spark from the CDI/coils and the fuel is coming good from the carbs, you are in great shape! Thank for the video!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Very nice! Thanks for watching

[@JoseMartinez-zi4km]

Awesome video. Just curious what’s the Lowest compression that you would consider “decent compression”

[@keithphillips1234]

Just picked up a 96 evinrude 25 hp. Great compression 128 in each cylinder. Runs like a dream. But today looking it over, I noticed a drip of water on the bottom of the cylinder cover, give it some gas it would sputter water there to. So I’m guessing just go ahead and do a head gasket and cover replacement.

[@keithphillips1234]

What you are calling a head cover is what’s dripping some, and with a little throttle it will spew, bubble at the bottom side. Maybe bc when throttling up the impeller is forcing the water faster causing it to sputter even more water out the bottom.

[@terryj1196]

Easy way to loosen gasket material is put in sonic cleaner

[@auburnfolsom]

Great video Michael ! Always pick up a few tips from your videos. Thanks ! I've got a 1958 35 hp Buccaneer that was seized from sitting for decades. I got it freed up & running, but it won't idle (I've disassembled & cleaned the carb) & it also coughs or misfires quite a bit. Some times it'll smooth out & run like it should. I've only run it in a barrel so far. Compression is 105 lbs on both cylinders. I replaced one coil, cleaned the points & it has good spark on both cylinders. I slso installed a Kohler fuel pump, as I'm sure the original wasn't pumping & an NOS one is outrageously overpriced (not to mention having sat on a shelf for 60+ years, it's probably no good). Any thoughts or suggestions ?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

parts for some are just not reasonably price anymore and that's break my heart for sure. I still want to bring them around to running anyway. thanks for watching

[@GYPSY400]

If the water pump was in good shape , check the grommet at the exhaust housing gasket.. I'm doing this on my 9.9, it was peeing good but overheating at high rpm and loosing rpm about 10 min into a run

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Got it, thanks for watching

[@rottenanimal619]

You should get an ultrasonic cleaner. I would help for your projects.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I've been looking to get one. Thanks for watching

[@anthonylatronica5108]

Check the cylinder bore and block for true as well

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

that's not a bad idea, thanks for watching

[@jaysongrimes9032]

Really wanting to buy an older tiller handle an rebuild. What would you consider as the most reliable an easy to find parts for these days??

[@user-eb9wj9jq8c]

Thanks Mike for the informative video. We have an 82 Johnson 35 hp. It would be appreciated if you could tell us where you find your parts as we are having a hard time finding parts we need. We are living in Canada and have to order from the States.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

MarineEngine.com

[@richardcranium5839]

i wouldnt worry about the bolts. my guess the paint will change color around 550 degree and the bolts get annealed after heat treat far above that. i start with 80 grit anything over .006 go just till i see a scratch on the low spot then 320. table saw table is good to .001 i checked it. i'd really look close at the water pump and everything connected just because how that thermostat looked. it was run dry.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I will definitely use courser grit to start. Had to go with what I could get at the moment. I have replaced the water pump but I will check for blockage before I put the gearbox back on. Thanks for watching

[@sarkasper1]

hello from Norway here. i was wondering what the torqe specs are on the top end? I have an 84 mod, with 50 psi on both. I like this videos alot! Thanks!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Work center out. 10 ft lbs the 20 ft lbs. I believe I spoke about it in the video. Thanks for watching

[@seankaufman2011]

Another good video! Would be interested in purchasing an outboard and possibly have a trade-in for ya.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I only have one for sale right now and it's a 1969 Johnson 20hp. Thanks for watching

[@seankaufman2011]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina you have any info on it? I need something that runs. Don't have time to fix the one I have.

[@walterquick8649]

Trying to get my 35 Johnson back in aqua, lower unite redone , Pops out when under power. Tips? Bit more than i can chew, lol

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You have a shifter fork problem or it's out of adjustment

[@larrybartlett2521]

Why did it over heat that caused all of that? Water pump or thermostat or both?

[@baitwaitfishing7625]

If you need a flat sanding surface put a straight edge on your pizza stone mine is flat and work's good. If you need to make one if you have some leftover epoxy you can pour one. Enjoyed the video.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Not a bad idea at all. Thanks for commenting and watching

[@motomizfit2892]

Did u do a part 2 on this outboard?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Still in the works, I got compression, the rest should be easy for sure. Thanks for watching

[@scottscott3760]

Hey I have a question... Just finished fine tunning my 1971 Evinrude 15 had it running for an HR and I noticed oiley foam gray color inside exhaust is this normal?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes, absolutely normal. Thanks for watching

[@tomhenry4993]

Great secret weapon...

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks and thanks for watching

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael could the fuel had leaked out when running and started a fire when running and was not caught then caused damage Chris

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

The hood would show signs of that if that is what happened. It's just a plain old overheat situation, thanks for watching

[@garygarmany2119]

Can you make a tiller drive out of that 35 Johnson

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I'm definitely going to see what it takes to convert it. thanks for watching

[@timtarwater1361]

I have a 1977 35 hp johnson it's not peeing out the peehole it's got water coming out the 2 little exhaust ports what could it be

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

try blasting some air up through the pee hole. Little varmints like to make little cocoons and block the hole.

[@Mexicanjedi3429]

Helllllp! Melee! 😢

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Help with what, thanks for watching

[@Mexicanjedi3429]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina I have a motor just like that I tried replacing the impeller 2 times and destroyed both impellers

[@Mexicanjedi3429]

Sorry it's a 1975 mercury 4hp model 40

[@patrickford5975]

Hey man. I am DESPERATELY trying to find a 20hp 69 cowl for my Johnson. Have any ideas?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

My email is in the description. Any Idea what years would fit?

[@justin423jb]

Where are you located?

[@quasarcom5041]

I am looking at motors for A small aluminum boat. I can buy one from a friend that has a 1980s 20 Johnson. 750.00 tiller or I found one on Marketplace that is almost brand new Mercury 6 hp, 750.00 I have had many people tell me to get the Johnson that it is a way way better motor even though it’s very old and the company is no longer. Other people are saying get the almost brand new Mercury . I know they are not apples to apples but I am trying to get a boat that it the right move for money and reliability. Can you give me some advice ?

[@richardhatcher7206]

Hi from Richard can you give advice I have 2.6meter 8ft fibreglass dinghy what size HP outboard do you recommend this is first boat

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I would not go bigger than a 9.9hp for sure. thanks for watching

[@richardhatcher7206]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thanks I'll get one I'm learning to an can fix mine when I pick it up I'm in new Zealand

[@jrmrencso8716]

Baked on mess? Might want to try oven cleaner.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

not a bad tip at all. thanks for watching

[@MalihiBinhossen-nv8rl]

Brpa harga nya

[@jessiemathews3957]

how about rewireing that motor

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I will be doing some wiring work on future episodes. thanks for watching

[@louislattarulo9069]

No motors running

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I'm trying my hardest to get one running. Thanks for watching

[@buddybaumann528]

Buy a water pump impeller

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I already did all that work on it. thanks for watching

[@robertrabhudsonhornet5869]

With it getting that hot I would wonder if the head cracked or warped I'd say the same thing about the head bolt's I would not trust them so I would not use them bolt's

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

hard to say what might be going on with that motor. I will get it to pop and run and make some more decisions as to what to do with it next. Thanks for watching

[@chasegehrke2067]

Find me on Facebook if you like. I have a couple older motors that I’m sure you would be interested in you have bought one or two older motors from me in the past.

[@patrickford5975]

@rmdcreations

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching