'05 Johnson 90 hp 2-stroke...Feedback?

[floatntiny]

I have a 2004 90hp 2 stroke Johnson on a Lowe 180W. I've had it since 2007 and knew the guy that bought it new. I have never had any problems with the motor except sometimes a little cold collared when I first try to start it but fires the first time it turns over the rest of the day. I've never done anything to it except change the oil in lower unit every winter. I was going to have the plugs changed and the guy that was going to do it ask me if it was missing or anything and I told him no and he said " leave them alone then and bring it back if it starts missing" so I guess I'm alright there.

[KiK]

Thanks gentlemen. My druthers would be to do exactly what is suggested and have it inspected along with a ride on the water. Catch 22 with specifically locating the boat i want in the dead of winter (best opportunity for pricing, at least here & north of me) AND getting to properly check it before any $ changes hands. The seller is not in any way suggesting that an inspection is out of the question. He is offering, voluntarily i should add, maintenance records and receipts for the boat along with winterization receipts. I'm feeling the guy out and if he ever indicates anything less than honest communications, I'm out. But so far he's straight. I mainly wanted to know reliability of these series of 2 strokes having never owned one before.
As for buying cars before driving...yep I've done that many times in my days after doing my homework on trouble spots & reliabilty issues. As long as the $ was right & i had a good idea of the seller's rep, i dove in. Kinda like that thing...if you don't know diamonds, you better know your jeweler. Been lucky for 60 yrs i guess...ain't got burned yet.
I'll do a compression check and pay attention to the lube and if his schedule will allow, we'll pull it down to a shop for a more qualified look-see.

[RLCRAPPIE]

I had a 70hp Johnson for several year and it performed well. However, if it has oil injection, since it is 10 years old I would consider disconnecting it and mix my own oil.

[KiK]

Thanks, RL. That would be a good idea. I am not familiar with the 2-strokes from this time span but I figured it probably had a filler/tank on the head of it somewhere

[BigRiverMarine]

Don't take off the oil injection!!!! It kills the value on em. Most people now Will Not mix gas and oil, thus making them less desirable.

[KiK]

Thanks, Big River. The guy just sent me a pic that might have been a deal breaker. Back of the engine...looks like mid section (fiberglass?) looks a little boogered. Not sure how critical that is but looks like it could have been bumped. If it's just a cover and fairly easy to replace, may not be a big deal but it made me hesitant.

[hunter1314]

wouldnt exchange a dime without getting it checked out first- however if it checks out, love em 2 strokes- they'll snatch ya outa the hole quicker than a 4 stroke- better gas milage on a 4 stroke but ill give it up to get outa the hole in a hurry when i need to!

[jigflip]

got the same motor great ,heed the others get the checks do the ride test then exchange money