1969 Johnson 20hp Hasn't run in over 5 years. The steps I took to bring it back to life. Real How To

In this video I picked up the perfect example of a 1969 20hp Johnson outboard motor. We go through it step by step to make it run again. We have a new Johnson for the Sea Nymph.
Follow the links below for all the products used in the video:
Drive pin and cotter pin on eBay www.ebay.com/itm/304040544114
AMSOIL FULL SYNTHETIC Gear Oil 75W-90 1 Quart amzn.to/3xyjq3d
Heavy Duty Push Button Momentary Start Switch amzn.to/3cUjYso
Petrol Engine Cylinder Compression Tester Kit amzn.to/3iVme6C
marine grade wiring amzn.to/3qfOWAK
Super Clean 101723 1gal. Super Clean Degreaser amzn.to/3iSZp38
wiring connector kit: amzn.to/2Um5N91
Lucas Marine Grease amzn.to/3yiKncn
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

[@riverraisin1]

Thanks for this video. I've got the same outboard, 1970 model, that hasn't run for over 20 years, but is in excellent condition. Got it running without tearing it down, but it was stalling after 30 seconds (not drawing any water thru impeller, though). Pulled the carb off and ran cleaner thru it even though it looked very clean. Now it won't fire. *SIGH*. Oh well. Thanks to you I know what to check and how to fix it.

[@moedog07]

I'm not a boat guy but this video is very informative and well done. I've been recruited to help get an old 20hp Johnson running again.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

you can do it, plenty of video help out there.

[@jbreefer148]

Thank you for making these videos because I never had an outboard motor before, and now I'm trying to learn to get it fixed and running.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

Lol, i have a 65 crestliner super seaman with a 70 20hp seahorse, boats about worn out, love the seahorse, new upper crank seal & ignition oarts its like a old chevy, always runs.

[@tommymccall1134]

I love your video,s I think your the best mechanic on you tube,most therow of them all ,big fan

[@stevesanford9507]

Excellent job of explaining your process. Thanks very much! I'll be restoring a '70 Evinrude Ski-Twin soon - and will rely on your site. All the best, Steven Jay Sanford

[@stevanrose7439]

You are having way to much fun 🤩. But I can relate to your joy when you see the spark.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

You got that right!

[@wendellholmes523]

Great 20's from O.M.C. My son runs a 1970 20 hp. It outperforms his working buddies 25 hp 4 cycle Mercs hand down with extra go to spare.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

They are nice old motors for sure, thanks for watching and commenting

[@user-wv6th2mr2z]

Wonderful video

[@craigmacdonald9046]

thank you very much this has been such help all the way from south africa!!!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

great to hear. thanks for watching.

[@Thewrightstuff777]

Always a great learning experience watching these. I have a 1959 Johnson 50 hp I got for 100$ I haven’t started on yet….

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

That will be a fun old motor to get running

[@jbreefer148]

I just got a 1973 Evinrude outboard 25hp that had sat for 2/1/2 years, and like you too I had to remove mice nestd. Now I'm in the process trying to get it restored.

[@johnnywitt1290]

Sound and looked good. I have an old 63 I think 9.9 seahorse that I need to get going again. Need some lower unit parts but use to run great!! Used in the rivers here at home fishing and duck hunting!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Excellent

[@midriftmike6161]

Excellent video Michael. Thanks for sharing. Really appreciated the in depth process.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnmccarthy7931]

Good way to start the day. Coffee and learning from you Michael. Thank you for posting the video.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@k6outdoors]

Running like A top! I like the clear fuel line.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Me too!

[@64samsky]

Awesome find Mike, great video!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@avines7566]

Awesome i have one of these exactly

[@billco-9801]

Great mouse house Michael.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

yes it was

[@mikedougherty9165]

great job

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Thank you

[@craigbusher1017]

Thank you for all the info I am Working on a 1971 20 horsepower s The saltwater version but it's electric start Cannot find a wiring harness so we can have a turn key I am going to try and fabricate one myself Anyone have a suggestion on finding a wiring harness for a 1971 20 HP Johnson

[@rossbrunco8946]

I have a 25rl69b. I’ve watched all your videos on your 20hp and did everything but put the pee hole in mine. It’s running great, but I can’t get full rpm in the water when in forward. Neutral and reverse I can get full rpm. Any suggestions on what I should look at? Other than gas line (already checked), compression (at 100 in both). Have spark. What else is there?

[@alejandromendoza7191]

Can you post the link to the water pump impeller please?

[@deana375]

I only watch for your hawaiian shirt collection

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Much appreciated. thanks for watching.

[@mrsuarez430]

Fixed one of these for a family friend good old outboard when rude and Johnson's made quality easy to work on engines idk what happened after the 90s 🤢 just got gifted an 89 35 merc that had a rat nest in it what a shame engine barely used but the guy had the drive shaft rusted to crankshaft and he cut it in a way that i have to replace both plus fix all the chewed up wires uts really to much work to be worth while unfortunately guess ill part it out or junk it for aluminum cool vid bud going to do this for my Buddy's 69 20 and try to make something to flush with out a bucket seems something like a rubber nozzle with hose attachment

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Mercs can be quite the mess, thanks for watching

[@badgerbob2226]

good job , i was hopping that you need parts, i have a junker that may need a new home. keep the videos coming and have fun.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Actually I do need parts for the old 20hp. I'm pretty sure the gear box is going out on it. More you tube content. Send me some pictures. Let me know what you want for your parts.

[@badgerbob2226]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina iam up to the cabin right no but as soon as i git home ill git on it.

[@ElliottSchrader-fq6ug]

Love your videos Mike! I picked up this exact same motor at an auction and have done all the same TLC that both of your videos show. I have a somewhat dumb question. On the lower housing near the bottom pivot point there are two holes that face the transom. When the motor is running I am getting water coming out of these as well as exhaust port and pee hole. Is this normal? Seems like the whole lower housing fills with water? Replaced lower shift shaft seal and am not leaking water into gear case. By the way, my brass bushing detent pin sticks up a little higher than the 3 you showed. Did not have to install a second tension pin.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

good new on the tension pin. Yes these things blubber water out everywhere. Thanks for watching

[@cornhoolio6456]

Any link to the exact same Carb kit you used in this video? Didn’t see it linked in the description. Thanks!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Go to MarineEngine.com they will have the information and parts you are looking for.

[@garycotz563]

Looks like the fuel lines are different sizes... any idea what size?

[@richardcranium5839]

hey ya got the float in the right way lol

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I did. An old dog can learn new tricks.

[@chriseisele9969]

Michael have ever worked on an 1980 s johnson outboard. I might be getting one for $100 looks clean from the outside

[@chriseisele9969]

Any recommendations?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Yes, what hp? over 10 hp then buy it and watch videos and fix it up.

[@istvanmezei7444]

Üdvözletem Magyarországról!:) Jók a videóid,sokat segít. Milyen keverési üzemanyag szükséges a Jonhson 20 hp 2t? 1:50? vagy 1:100? Köszönöm a válaszod

[@JohnTouchstone-ho3sm]

Great video I got the same motor it’ll start and run and piss but once it gets hot it shuts off and won’t start until cool again any chance you know the problem

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sounds like an ignition problem, thanks for watching

[@rocko112camaro]

Thanks for the help on my 1970 20hp Johnson 20R-70E motor. I ordered parts and cleaned the carb w/ kit, replaced the fuel line, fuel filter, and impeller. It finally runs. But it runs on the rich side. Q: on the lower unit it gets kinda hot. Is it suppose to shot water out the back pee spout/hole? It doesn't. Could it be plugged? I was told I might need a new thermostat? Thanks again,

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

pull the thermostat and you should have water pee out right away. If not you have a plug somewhere. Blow air back through the pee hole first

[@rocko112camaro]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Opened up the area where the thermostat is suppose to be. No thermostat. So ordering 1 with gasket and ring with Crowley Marine. Did a test and water was running back out through the intake and wouldn't flow through other chamber - no peeing from rhe lower. Thanks again.. Q: do you have any suggestion on fixing a motor cover to the outboard? The latch connector on my motor (anchor block and pin) is broken.

[@Isaac-cv6kj]

what brand of fuel line did you use and what was the diameter for it?

[@genesloan3175]

Seems like I haven't seen very many videos, lately. I've been subscribed since before you started your second channel. Maybe KZbin hasn't been letting me see your channel....or maybe you weren't very active? I'm glad to see this one and settle in with my morning coffee to see your mechanical adventures.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Been trying to drop a video a week lately. I have lot's of outboard content coming.

[@genesloan3175]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina thought it might have been Covid 19 related...either way, I was glad to see your work. Especially, you providing an amount you paid for that one. It gives me an idea of what I should pay for one, if I were looking to do some refurbished flips.

[@robertrab2563]

O'Reilly auto parts they sells that gass line to just to let you all know and if you have a ACE Hardware near you. Thanks for the video

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Good to know. My o'reilly's is 20 miles from me and Napa is 1/4 mile from me. That's why you hear me speak of them often.

[@robertrab2563]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina that's cool I was hoping my Comment would help athers on your channel. Thanks for your respon to my comment i hope you have a great Father's Day.

[@gillgetter3004]

I’ve got to get some of that see thru line. My 92 Johnson 28 hp has a cold start problem, have to excessively prime to get started maybe it’s the line?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

could be. Could be the timing.

[@larryjenuwine7415]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Is the fuel line 5/16? I have a 71 Johnson 20hp that my dad bought new. I have to pump the primer bulb to keep it running too. Also is the timing/linkage sync right between the lines on these old Johnsons?

[@TheNockingPoint]

It is a sunny day here and I should be out working on my boat...... but what am I doing? Watching Micheal work on his outboard. ;-)

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

LOL, thanks for watching. Now get after that boat

[@jbreefer148]

Have you ever had to deal with a seized up motor and got it working?

[@fallsflight]

What kill switch did you get from NAPA?

[@jimboo1026]

Awesome video, I love how the same reliable carbs are used throughout the years of these motors. I really like your water tank setup with the exhaust vent, do you have a video on how you set that up?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sure do, here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJyvnaZ_lrmHiMk

[@jimboo1026]

Awesome thanks!

[@hookntoads379]

Where does the water come out from I can figure it out on mine

[@adamcollins4294]

Hello there, I'm having the same fuel pump issue with a new complete part. It ran once just fine on the water for several hours. The next outing three weeks later I had to pump the fuel bulb to keep it going. Did you figure out the issue with your faulty pump? Mine is tight and everything else is squared away as far as I know. Thanks so much for your videos!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Some of the cheap Amazon pumps aren't as good as some OEM ones. Make double sure you are sealed up on the back side and that your screws are not bottoming out. Thanks for watching

[@dannybigsby2783]

Where can I get parts I have same engine but I want new parts anyhelp?

[@TheKillerRebel]

i have the same motor i just recently picked up but the bottom spark plug is working and the top is not any idea? im gonna pick up a flywheel puller to check it out, but i seen that the bottom plug has wire in it and the top has this nylon in the middle. i was gonna take a little peace off and put the boot back on but still nothing. any idea???

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

most likely your points. There are two sets and one may be fouled or a bad condensor

[@adamd8997]

What size is the fuel line?

[@seansimons7043]

Hahahaha!! “Put the 69 Johnson on the 69 sea nymph” will be a great time! If you catch my drift! Lol

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sean, you are a little a head of me. The next video on this outboard will be EPIC and you will see how the Banana treated the Nymph and how the Nymph handled the Johnson. Drift received.

[@bobstrades1]

Michael, another great video! I had no doubt that old Johnson was going to run! Can you post the link for the fuel line?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

amzn.to/35KEZBH

[@bobstrades1]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina Looking forward to the Sea Nymph meets the Johnson Video! Will that 1/4" ID line work on my '98 20HP Evinrude? Its calling for a 5/32" ID line. Sorry about the newb questions, but I have learned a tremendous amount from watching your videos!

[@hookntoads379]

What’s the carb kit you put on it can you send the link please

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

MarineEngine.com

[@paullahocki2539]

Easy peasy

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Lemon Squeasy

[@williamomara759]

I have a 1969 mercury kiekhaefer 4.0 outboard you know part number for water pump I might need

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Check out oldmercs.com I bet you find it there.

[@frankweathersbee2553]

Prop hub slipping?

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

I have to tell you Mike, I took out the Merc Mark 10 for a lake test and started then died. I got tired pulling the cord and gave up. After thinking about it I realized this motor must have a vented gas tank. The auxiliary tank I was using just has a cap without one. Woops on me. My Yamaha kicker runs good with that tank but this old motor won't have it.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Interesting.

[@leewilson5381]

Hi I just got a 1981 starcraft v6 its starts right up but I never owned a boat and not sure what it should sound like no smoke revs up good and tips on anything I should listen for thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Sounds like you are on your way.

[@misguidedspearo6974]

Hi. Where is the ebay link please?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

links on eBay are not reliable so I stopped using them, thanks for watching

[@rocko112camaro]

Help. Great vid. Q: I need a water pump kit for a 1970, 20hp Johnson outboard. Model# 20R-70E serial# J3242862 Can't find one online. Checked several marine stores, Ebay & Amazon. Also need a carburetor kit. I will be buying several of your prop kits in the future. Thanks

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

amzn.to/3gJMWfD for the water pump kit, carb kit on amazon amzn.to/3wKXSAe

[@rocko112camaro]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina How about a fuel pump?

[@seankaufman2011]

Do you have an email I could email you at with some questions? I just bought a 1967 20hp and it came with a 1963 18hp what he called parts motor for free.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

email is in the description. thanks for watching

[@ratoneJR]

no link to the shear pin & cotter pin.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

www.ebay.com/itm/304040544114 it's now listed in the description as well. Thanks for the reminder and thanks for watching

[@douglaseblankenship3226]

Be interested in prop pin,s

[@macprince5667]

What about the carb leak?

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Got it fixed before we went to the lake with it. The gasket got a touch wonky in one area. Easy to correct.

[@davekimbler2308]

Why don’t you test the lower unit ? In my routine that’s one of the first things I do ! Shift rod seals and drive shaft seals are easy ! I do like those 20hp and 25hp of that era ! I have 2 - 20’s and 3 - 25’s pre- low tension and I sell a butt load of them and 15hp outboards !

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I do test them. Pressure test. I've done one video on testing them. I just don't show it every video.

[@jackchandler2146]

Where is the next video on the 1969 20 hp Johnson

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

If parts arrive it will drop Sunday morning

[@samwestoby140]

Where did you get your shirts I love them

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Amazon here is the link amzn.to/2TRmQzF

[@imtheone221]

I’m home.

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Welcome home buddy. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@TheGreatdane56]

Thats a Sea Horse It has the logo on the side of the hood

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

Excellent, thank you.

[@tijslust8081]

Take the restrictor plate off

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

I didn't see a restrictor plate. What are you referring to?

[@tijslust8081]

@@Michaelsbackyardmarina behind the carb mate

[@jonnun7713]

Hello, my name is John. I can't find anything online about this, so I am going to hope you may be able to help me out.. I have the same model 1969 20r69d engine. From the manifold to the fuel pump plate there is a small hose that connects them. Mine was dry and it broke so I replaced it with a clear piece of tube. Anyways when it's running I see slightly yellowish kind of Milky fluid running through it and I'm not sure if it is water in the gas or if it is dirty water or what, perhaps you can explain to me what this line does and what is supposed to run through it? I can find nothing on the internet about it and I do not want to blow up this bad boy!

[@Michaelsbackyardmarina]

check out the information on MarineEngine.com