1977 Johnson Seahorse 15 hp The UGLY Truth we trouble shoot to see if we can make it run

[@michaelborn1083]

I wish you lived close to me, I would love to have someone like you to work on my motors. You are not only good but you go deep into it! Thank you for your videos

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Wow, thanks

[@davidbragg30]

Thanks Michael. I have a 1977 15HP Evinrude and I've been able to follow along to give my outboard a tune up. Loving your videos.

[@RichieRouge206]

1977 is the year I was born, we had an ‘89 15hp Johnson, great motors. Really enjoy your videos

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for watching

[@GlenB1963]

1977 was the 1st model that had "CD MAGFLASH" ignition. I owned the exact same motor in the late 70s. Thrashed the life out of it, but it kept running like a dream. They were virtually bulletproof. ❤ now I own a 1978 johnson stinger 75hp. It is mint. Nice video. Best wishes from Brisbane Queensland Australia 🇦🇺

[@diyguybz6191]

Liked what you said at the beginning of the video. I bought an 85 Chrysler 15 hp from a guy. He said it runs good, despite the pull start being broken. The thing would not start for no reason, not even a kick. It needed tons of work. Fuel pump was shot. Had to replace the kit. Carbureter was gummed up and still had old fuel in it. Rebuilt it. Points were horribly off. Around 0.05 inch. Prop bushings were slipping. Had to replace the prop. Replaced the water pump. Changed the gear seals and fresh gear oil. Bought it for 150 dollars. spent an extra 400 dollars. Runs excellent now,, but got some gray hairs along the way and invented some new cuss words. lol

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yep they all say they run don't they.....I run mine in the test tank and let the customer themselves start the motor so it's not just me telling them it runs. Glad you got it going. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davescheer5038]

🌴 Hey Bud , I’m thinking about buying a used 1977 - 15 hp Johnson the guy said it runs but needs carb work , your vids are so informative and saves us old poor guys a lot of grief and money , thanks for posting 👍🏼

[@kyletracey5819]

Those old Johnsons are bullet proof for the most part. Used to water ski behind a 25hp on a 14ft aluminum haha. Boom!

[@billymcdaniel4855]

Love your videos, very informative. I love messing with these older motors, very simple to work on.

[@danielrobert7181]

Great video ! With a non--starting motor in the tank, I will pull the fuel line off and drill-spin the motor to check the fuel pump.

[@gillgetter3004]

Used the sea foam trick on my Johnson 28.. Worked great keep a little in fuel tank for maintenance and as stabilizer.

[@Raider243270]

I like the "Hobby" i started off with one engine....Now I have FIVE! very satisfying to see her RUN! Thanks GREAT VIDEOS!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That is awesome! I think I have over 35 in the shop right now

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

addictions are real

[@sprayo1e]

I like the idea of the clear fuel line to the carb. Where could I pick some of that up?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Napa, be prepared to pay over $4 per foot.

[@NLINE7]

A few years back I was introduced to the snake oil Seafoam 😁. I had a Honda Rancher 4 wheeler that the carb float was sticking and dumping gas out through the overflow. Funny it would only do it after a ride and sitting about 10 minutes in the shop. I was getting ready pull the carb and a friend of mine at work that his son raced four-wheelers said try some Seafoam in your tank before you pull that carb to see what happens first. I did and that fixed the problem, it never leaked again while I owned it. Even told the guy I sold it to few years later I always run correct mixture Seafoam in it. To this day I run the correct mixture of either Seafoam or Star Tron in all my gas engines.

[@rustysmith2360]

Michael, sure would like to see how you fixed the spark plug threads.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4uwXoKtn81jesU check out this video it shows how I fixed it

[@marshallnmoonshine]

Oh man... You're my new hero. My dad just gave me his boat with this thing on it. Haven't even tried to fire it up yet, needs a battery and new gas. I'll probably go through it. He's pretty solid on engine work and repairs, so it probably just needs a little dusting off. It's kinda funny, because I worked on container ships with diesel engines that are 50' long and about 40' tall, but I've never really worked on an outboard. I suppose 2-strokes are 2-strokes, eh?? (Even though diesel spark plugs are a lot easier to check.... You just make sure there isn't one and you're good.)

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Like it, thanks for watching

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael i missed the part on spark plug stripped. How you fixed it would love to see thanks Chris

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

search through my videos, you will find it. I have done a couple of them.

[@wronbartlett7577]

1977 was the first year for the CDI (Johnson/evinrude). I picked up a seized 1976 for parts and it has points.

[@Nudnik1]

1968 they had CD with triggers on big motors pulse pack.

[@wayfararout6258]

I have the same year motor but mine is a 9.9 and I would like to have a kill switch is it hard to put it on??

[@AttitudeAdjuster]

Hey Michael, if you had a 15 Hp just a little later model then that one and it has only 55 PSI on both Cylinders what would you do? Cheers Garry and I cannot get it to start, has spark but no fuel to plugs. Cheers Garry

[@ronnyguevara9337]

friend I have the same engine johnson 15 year 1978. How do I find the manual? I need a manual for this engine. Thankful if you can help me. God bless you.

[@Jim_Tabor]

15 hp Johnson motor , guy say he replaced the water pump and it’s not clogged but still won’t pee, any Ideas what might be wrong ? Thanks for sharing

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

blow some air backwards through the pee hole, little critters like to get up in those things.

[@tommyjackson6216]

Mike love your show my 9.9 Johnson I cleaned the carb and lost my low end needle set and it's hard to start now where would be a good place to start on the needle ????

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

1 1/2 turns from bottomed out

[@tommyjackson6216]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thanks mike .I set it at 3and a half makes it hard to start

[@rbruce63]

Did you replace the cylinder head? With a good polish that motor is very sellable!

[@braddavies2703]

Love your videos, sure makes me want to work on my little 7.5 , but for now Ima going shore fishing..Keep up the good work.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You can do it!

[@Mr_Man_7803]

That would be a great winter project right about now.

[@GmGarlo]

Great stuff!! i have one just like yours, but it takes about 15 pulls to get it started, but when it starts , starts on first pull all day . Would that be a carb adjustment or what. What would you suggest i check for that kind of problem . any suggestions will be most appreciated THANKS keep up the great videos !!!!!!

[@davidbragg30]

Mine was the same. I did a carb kit and now it starts 2nd pull with the choke out.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Shouldn't take more than three pulls if she is tuned up good. Idle mixture turn to the rich for the start then back to normal position once it starts.

[@tomvoisard501]

What was the “fuel injection “ that you sprayed?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Two stroke fuel

[@DownsouthMan]

You should put your tank pretty close to the same height as what it would be in your boat.

[@joshuamunoz5036]

Hello there love your videos by the way,what will cause no exhaust and water coming from the exhaust exit hole,86 15hp evinrude,tore the motor apart all new gaskets and thermostat all water passages are clear,pees water very good but gets 200 degrees on me ?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

is the thermostat working? thanks for watching

[@joshuamunoz5036]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina yes thermostat opens at 143 degrees,but it doesn’t have the original exit pee tube,I installed a 1/8 water exit tube to it,would to much water be coming out and not enough water circulation to cool the engine,that’s the only thing I can come up with that will cause this problem.

[@rrrttt1112]

Great video! Would you happen to know the size of the nut that holds the Starting Instructions Plate on? Mine has corroded and I wanted to swap it from a parts motor. Thanks in advance!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Not exactly sure what plate you are talking about. email me. email in the description.

[@rrrttt1112]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Thanks, I just sent you an email with photos.

[@TwistedGorillaFab]

With these turtle shells, do you ever get any false positives at full throttle with lid on and in a tank. Seems like the smoke will get picked back up into the air intake without the outboard moving? Just curious?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

So far the test tank works well, I have sense built a bigger one indoors with venting. Thanks for watching

[@willblanton7425]

Where did you order all your parts from? I have a 75 15hp and it’s been sitting since the 80’s and it allegedly ran when they put it away. It was my grandfather’s then my father’s. Enjoy the videos, thank you.

[@SoulSoul-y6h]

How many screw do u turn it for the idle screw

[@wayfararout6258]

I also need that knob on the side

[@jempoof]

Well the later ones do. They also have a kill switch on the end of the throttle handle.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes they do.

[@proudcanadiansteinke9619]

Good old 15 Johnson can't kill them if u takecare of your outboard..nice job

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

thanks

[@colinbailey7161]

Not sure how that home brew was made based upon the description. Is that 8 ounces Seafoam, 2 gallons of Gasoline, and 50:1 amsoil two stroke oil?

[@k6outdoors]

Good old marine grease, I like your dewalt electric start

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

DeWalt serves many purposes on the marina

[@Nicoli-bg8lp]

What size socket do you use? Going to look at one and will want to use this trick. Great video thanks!

[@bradleysams1603]

i just picked up 1977 Evinrude 35 hp electric start tiller. the wire harness was rotted, installed a $90 harness in 20 minutes and runs like new. got about $600 in her.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

sweet deal

[@glitch1187]

I like your test tank. Any construction details?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

No real details but I do have a video on me making it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qavHXmuQhNOCgZI

[@darebea69]

Looks good, Just picked up a 79 evinrude 15 as well, traded a running 9.9 for it and guy adds $150.. Apparently a mechanic had it for 4 weeks and he couldn’t figure it out, but managed to work through it and got it going! One comment I have, yours shouldn’t be spitting water out the exhaust on cold start / when idling.. you may want to look at replacing the thermostat.. otherwise it will never get up to proper operating temperature. Cheers!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

very true. Thanks for watching

[@MrDatsun72]

I have problem on my 9.9 seahorse . Throttle stuck .gears are good . But can twist it . Left to right thanks. Need help

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Most likely the handle portion is sticky. Depending in the year there is a screw in the side of handle and you can remove the handle and there is usually dried up grease making the handle stiff.

[@brandonj6860]

Hey I have a 74 15hp evinrude that runs but has loss of power and won’t stay idling have any advice I I cleaned out the carb but waiting on the rebuild kit to get here to see if that does the trick

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

carb or ignition. Double check your compression.

[@brandonj6860]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Hey thanks man I’ll try that and let you know what I got for compression what is a good reading for the compression on this motor

[@Nudnik1]

In salt water areas the water tube grommets would swell and shut cooling water off to power head. I had to fix dozens in marina years ago . Otherwise excellent motors .

[@phillipmorris1334]

what is your formula juice to use instead of starting fluid? want to have some fun!!!!!!i

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I just put the 50:1 two stroke mix in a spray bottle.

[@phillipmorris1334]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thanks for your quick reply

[@troymachovec]

I got an (87 i think) evinrude just like this. Wicked motor on a 12 foot boat! I second taking it with a block of salt tho, sometimes you get burned!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

that would be a hoot on at 12 footer.

[@kentyler966]

Hey, Would like to get a better look at your wooden motor mount that fits the top of the blue plastic barrel. Can you put small outboards in gear with this set up?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

yes I do it all the time....got to see what the engine does under a load.

[@eavedesian]

Just bought one of these. Does the fuel pump outlet to the carb have to be in a specific orientation? Mine was on the bottom. Guy I bought it from had cracked the nipple so I had to order a rebuild kit but it was on the bottom.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You can loosen the middle screw and rotate it around of some of the fuel pumps

[@Mr225jack999]

I went on to your “about “ page on KZbin and there is no contact information there? How do I contact you? For the purchase?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

check it out again. I just updated some information.

[@mikenewman9030]

What size is that tygon fuel line?

[@MrMiller2980]

Hi Mike, this is Wes Miller again, I will try to make this short lol. This question is about the video you made from you 1976 Starcraft about installing the Electronic Ignition. Did it make a difference? Did it help the motor run a little smoother? I did buy a kit but it isn't Petronics, it is from Hot Sparks, the Ignition and a coil, it is Beru German blue coil. They said you have to make sure to have a 3 Ohm coil. I didn't know mine that is why I bought coil. Is it a big difference getting rid of the Points?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Well I would say yes. I haven't had to touch the ignition system for two years and with the new coil it just fires up so much quicker.

[@MrMiller2980]

What about the idle? I have a little Issue of a high idle. I am sure its the carburetor, I was hoping a better spark would help it?

[@teeanahera8949]

Is there a thermostat in those?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

there should be

[@johnmorrison1180]

Always dismantle the carby on a motor that haven’t ran for a while. The often clogged with oil from the dried up fuel or with a four stroke dirt in the fuel.

[@Bigtime_mcalpine]

Great video, thanks for the expertise and for the entertainment.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it!Thanks for watching and commenting

[@dougallen5879]

thanks mike, i'm looking for an elec.start flywheel for the same motor? you know any leads? thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I don't have any at the moment. I would just search eBay. Someone could be parting one out.

[@dougallen5879]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thank's Mike, just off the top of your head ,what year flywheels work on the 77

[@dougallen5879]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina i found a 76 flywheel i don't know if that fits? 77 was tranistion year from points to a power pack ?

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

Ah the old prime for a good time , yes this I use too.

[@2Bachlors1house]

Where do you get all your parts?

[@SuperTambo69]

Love these little engines - i had a 1982

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

They are a never die engine it seems.

[@dbcooper692]

I have a 1985 mercury 60hp three-cylinder my compression test reads 150-145-130. The seems to run fine what do you think? One boat mechanic said that the motor should be okay and run you a very long time. Could it be the motor wasn't hot enough when the compression was checked? Thanks for your videos I enjoy them very much!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

compression test are typically done cold.

[@ct1762]

a variation of more than 15 psi means cylinder heads must come off to inspect bores. could get lucky and its a head gasket, but more than likely she needs a fresh hone and rings.

[@MrAvant123]

I had one of these in the 80's exact same symptoms - turned out to be the ignition coil...

[@outlawflyer7868]

Would you happen to have an old 4 hp,2 stroke motor that you could show how to set the point gap?

[@TM_Rags]

I just picked one of these little motors up (1990 15hp) that I haven't even tried to start yet. I know nothing other than what I've learned from this video, wish me luck! Can you tell me where I can find the replacement parts? I will definitely need a new throttle grip.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marineengine.com is a good source for parts. Thanks for watching

[@williamcolvin3609]

Great compression - must not have seen a lot of usage.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Some of these old girls sat more than they get used for sure.

[@stevecalderman457]

Looking for pulley for Evinrude 9.9 ,1975 to pull flywheel will pay .

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I don't currently have one for sale, keep and eye on eBay, thanks for watching

[@billymcdaniel4855]

I'm in South Florida. Where do you find these motors? I'm looking for a decent Johnson 15hp.

[@bobbyisno11]

I stand corrected, it's a variation of an earlier video with different fixes.

[@Itsmalakaijacko]

what size fuel hose

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I don't remember, thanks for watching

[@Vhiadra]

I just picked up a 1998 johnson 15hp , I've never used seafoam on a 2 stroke engine I may have to Give it a shot I'm just nervous lol

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

it will be fine. Thanks for watching.

[@Vhiadra]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thank you !

[@mrprodanyk3372]

SeaFoam is like magic!! Use it all the time!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It has it's place in the old tool box for sure, thanks for watching

[@_.R.F.X.L._]

What quantity per galon?​@@Michaelsbackyardmarina

[@reginaldbrown6593]

Did you sell that 15?

[@gmansmith1907]

Were do live?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Iowa

[@keepitreal5148]

@15:51, my shoulders hurt watching you pull that cord

[@griffink7577]

Where does the citculated water come out on this motor?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

there is a pee hole on the bottom back on the cowling

[@batman9601]

I’d like to have that motor

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

It will be for sale as soon as the parts show up that I bought off eBay

[@ShawmahlamaDing]

Where did you get the ignition coils from?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

marineengine.com

[@ShawmahlamaDing]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thanks man!

[@danielthompson8242]

Love the vids learned a lot thank ypu

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad to hear it!

[@charleshennessee904]

How do I contact you

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

email on the home page

[@daveking3595]

Surprised me you didn,t notice the power pack right in front of you and didn,t no if it had points or not

[@Mr225jack999]

I also would like to have that motor, perfect motor for my dingy. But what state are you in? If I were to buy this motor?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Iowa

[@waynehawley117]

What state are you in

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Iowa. Thanks for watching.

[@hucknbarry3496]

Great video

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@geckokid1019]

Love my 85 rude 9.9

[@dahutful]

You’re the best!

[@slavikkrykun2709]

Hello I have a 1977 Johnson I need a purse her to final you say order parts for Holden RPA right side circle pin plastic Side utility handle can you help me final parts Amazon give me a link where you order parts for Johnson

[@michaelborn1083]

If you have engines you have worked on that you would care to sell, I have a pontoon and a 14' fiberglass john boat, and a 14' bass tracker topper john boat. That one needs an engine. Thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I sell any that I am willing to part with on FB. email me if you see me working on one that you may like to purchase. thanks for watching

[@aziggy1039]

The problem with these post 1972 motors is the poor plastic parts breaking easily. And they are crazy expensive to replace.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

some are and some aren't. Hobbies are just expensive period. Thanks for watching

[@rogerdevries1699]

Nice idle

[@charleshennessee904]

Thank you

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You're welcome

[@darinblomquist422]

Ran great when it was new!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sounds good

[@jempoof]

They only allow a little throttle till its in gear then you get full throttle.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yep that correct

[@williamriley2528]

Yeah, Just in case you want to know the compresion of a cylinder with no spark plug threads...! The Stator...! Idling too slow is hard on the bearings...

[@drivelife35]

Hello and good day. I enjoy your videos very much. I have an 84' Evenrude 15hp, E15RCRM. I am attempting to replace the thermostat. I am finding that to be not so easy. Are you able to make a video (of what you would do) of the process to do this job on a 77 to 85 ish era 9.9hp to 15hp Evenrude/Johnson outboard motor. I have been searching for a video for this and, nothing...... PERIOD. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!! I know this video would and will help a heck of alot of people out here..... and would get you subs and views.... all pluses.... thanks very much for your time. Wade.

[@ruffe7655]

thermostat is unnecessary

[@ronaldwarren5220]

Fabulous!

[@jempoof]

Thats why they are called 2 smokes.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Exactly, thanks for watching

[@bobbyisno11]

Didn't we already see this video.

[@jacobthelosen4515]

man thats a nice shirt

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I get them at Amazon.

[@jdram58]

I bought onre for 500 buc ks my mr\echanic checked it I ofrdsered n got a hydrofoil but I need to replaced the transom befoI had a fiberglassx trihull bass boat with an 85 hp Johnson never had ofrioblem with the engine or loaDING or unloading the boat. But gonna add a front cadsting deck n some carpet n repaINT THE BOAT6 jON BOAT green> I just wanna fish but I actuallhy saw a video of a young guy water skiing behind a njonboat with a 15 hp njohnson I wiould have never thought possiblde. But so much for me thinking it wasa whimpy little motor I was thinking maybe 10 15 mph at best but these guhys were in gthe 20 plus mph I mainly got it just for fishing so Im happy with it and if it trolls good hey what can I complain about. I spose I could get a stainless prop as well but lets see how thje prop thats on there works first with the hydro plain addition. Befor I break out anothrer thousand!! it might be the pergfect boat I was thinkin it might not be strong enoupbh tp us on the Misoufri rivefr but it migbht be plenty gvood there n the fact you can drive all day on a tank of fuel compared to a larger engine so keep on boating and keep your self busy as you say and enjoying life as much as you can! Youn dont have to have the biggest or the best to start with to have fun or get enjoyment life is a journey so enjoy the ride.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thanks for sharing and watching

[@richardcranium5839]

it never hurts if your johnson gets wet once in a while

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

very true.....I tend to get rained on fishing

[@Slaughterk360]

So basically sea foam is a engine rebuild in a can !! Nice 👍 😂

[@randy1ization]

seafoam is mostly oil based and it smokes like crazy, so everybody thinks it must be doing something amazing,, it does nothing.., if you want to clean the fuel system, pistons, rings, mix a few ounces of SUPERZILLA in the fuel, and you will see real results, with no dramatic smoke show.. ive NEVER seen an engine run better after using seafoam.. but every engine ive used Superzilla on runs great..

[@MrMoosekiller31]

I always say of their selling it it's either blown up or it's about to blow up lol we'll see if that the case here lol