Thread: Johnson 60hp

OK... I feel better about the oil pump after reading these posts and the article at iboats. I'm going to stick with the pump and trust the alarm for any problems. All I was doing was going by what the guy said that I got the boat from and I don't have any experience with the VRO system at all. The fella who had it before me didn't have any problems with it either and he really never used the boat anyway. One other thing... the prop on this thing is pretty chewed up. Any advice on a new one that won't break the bank?

Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper

98 model, steady beep. Sounds like an overheating issue. Know of anyway to address it? I wouldn't think a motor would overheat at idle speeds. Maybe the rubber is old. Not meaning to hijack craigodem thread.

I would certainly replace the impeller. That is a sign of it wearing out. The edges get worn and it no longer has the volumn at low RPMs that it has at higher RPMs. I replace mine every other year. Its easy to do and its cheap insurance.

Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper

98 model, steady beep. Sounds like an overheating issue. Know of anyway to address it? I wouldn't think a motor would overheat at idle speeds. Maybe the rubber is old. Not meaning to hijack craigodem thread.

This is just a WAG, but have you checked the thermostat? It may be worn/dirty and restricting water flow at low rpms.

Craig...what prop is on it now??

Save money...aluminum

Last and more performance...stainless

Only problem really with aluminum is if you hit something with it...very good chance you will lose a blade...

Stainless if you hit something you may knick it or bend it...but probably will be fixable...you probably won't lose a blade...

There are many places to get a prop...I would try to try a few out from a friend or shop if you can. Do you have a tach?? You really need to be at the upper end of your rpm range...probably 5500 or so when you have an average load...you don't want to lug it.


I agree with IBNFISHN and PanMan...you should check both...I replace my waterpump ever other year also...some older mercs you needed to replace every year. The rubber in the impellor can wear out or even get soft and not have the contact it should...get the kit..not just the impellor since its been a while. Then just replace the impellor every other year...cheap insurace as said before. Check thermostats isn't too hard...find out what the temperature of your thermostat is and get a heat gun or some heat sticks...the stick will melt or not melt at a certain temp so you can see the range your in...you can also put them in various spots and see if you have a hot spot. Alot of merc/mariners will not pee unless the termostat is open...watch the temp gun and pee stream and see when it opens. An easier way is to just remove the thermostat and put it in a pot of water...put a thermometer in the pot and start to heat it...when it hits the temp it should open you should see this happen. If not replace...if so it may be something else...could be as simple as the water pump

Originally Posted by Scrapper

I replace my waterpump ever other year also...

Don't you have to own a boat for more than 9 months in order to replace the waterpump every other year? :D How many boats have you owned in the past 2 years? :D