In need of a good Johnson Motor mechanic

Recently my family inherited a like new 1976 ranger bass boat, it's been in a heated garage under a fitted tarp since new, only been in the water a hand full of times. The hull, gel coat, and interior look emaculant, like it just pulled off the show room floor. I took the cowling off the motor (Johnson 115)it also looks like new. BUT the boat has not been started in 15years, so I changed the plugs, replaced the entire fuel system and got her started but she was runnin pretty rough, it also is having some problems with trim, it has a trim setup that I've never seen with a big pump mounted externally by the transom. Although she's old this boat means a lot to my family we want to take it to a mechanic that knows what they're doing, I'm located in central Ar (Morrilton,Petit Jean) area but willing to drive, do you guys have any recommendations?

Replace the impeller, get the carbs cleaned and go ease it around a bit. As with any engine that's set up for a long period of time, get everything rubber (bushings, fuel lines under the cowling, etc.) checked out. It's all probably dry rotted or hardened some. Should be a relatively easy fix from the way you described the care it was given.

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Originally Posted by BigRiverMarine

Replace the impeller, get the carbs cleaned and go ease it around a bit. As with any engine that's set up for a long period of time, get everything rubber (bushings, fuel lines under the cowling, etc.) checked out. It's all probably dry rotted or hardened some. Should be a relatively easy fix from the way you described the care it was given.

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Yeah that was my plans any rubber most likely even most gaskets will need replacing. My problem is most people in my fishing circle can only tell me who NOT to take it to but none of them including g myself seems to know a reputible shop/mechanic.

John 's marine in pine bluff is really good! !! 870-247-2313

I don't know anyone in your area. I'm sure Meatgetter has steered you in the right direction. May be others closer to you.

My mechanic in Batesville MS can do it, and he's really good. Long drive tho.

PM Me with phone #

I have had real good results from West Side Marine it is located about two or three miles going east past Lake Maumelle an he is on the left side of the road. I have had some bad experiences with marine mechanics, an he has been by far the best I have had dealing with.

I would ask the CACA guys about experience with west side. I may be wrong but I thinks one had couple power heads replaced by them and wasn't good. I may be wrong maybe others will chime in.

Take it to Riverside Marine in little rock they are located past Mcswains on the left by Glaziers distributing. Talk to Tom or Josh they are the best Johnson and Evinrude guys around they actually re manufacture Evinrude power heads. I had very bad luck at westside marine.

Jason

I was hoping jason would chime in for ya. I know of his issues he had with other mechanics that replaced a power head a few times

On that old of a motor one thing for sure you need to have done beyond the norm is have the replace the motor mounts. On that old of a motor they weren't the best when new and that old I would expect they won't last long. Trust me on this one you do not want a top mount to fail at full power.

Try Logan County Marine in Russellville and talk to Mike. They have always been fair with me. And yes, it is Logan County Marine located in Russellville- even though Russellville is in Pope County. Go figure !!

I appreciate all the help guys. She's in the the shop now. I'll post some pics of it when I get her back in the water. It's not very often you see a boat this old in anywhere close to this condition.

Where did u take it ???

I love those old 70's Ranger boats. Also, I've used West side marine three different times and have always been happy with their work.