I currently have an '84 Johnson V4 115. I've been chasing demons on it since I got it (and stupid me didn't check compression when I got it, because I picked it up from a friend/TFF member that I trusted). Used it a handful of times last summer and just couldn't get it running tip-top. Bought a compression gauge last night and gave it a check. 90 in the top right, 80 in the bottom right, 90 in the bottom left, and 50 in the top left. OUCH!

Took the head off on the left and sure enough, that cylinder threw a ring and made a gouge in wall. Looks like it was run for quite some time with either a restricted carb or blown head gasket. Plenty of signs of overheating.

Anyway, I digress. I'm now looking at either rebuilding this powerhead or picking one up that has already been done. I may even repower up to a 150, if the cost difference isn't too extreme. I already know my general cost on rebuilding it myself, minus the machine shop charge. What can I expect to pay for one that is already rebuilt? And where would I even start looking to find one? Last thing I want to do is spend a few thousand on Craigslist just to end up right back in the same situation in the near future.

Might be worth giving these guys a call. http://www.texasoutboardrebuild.com/index.html I picked up on them from recommendations on the board. I haven't used them, hope I don't have to in the future, but I kept their website bookmarked just in case.

I'm afraid I'm in the same boat. I've been looking on CL and I'm a little weary too. I'll let you know if I find anything else out.

I am considering going with a newer 4stroke. Anyone have anything good or bad to say about those?

PM sent.

txtac - I'm currently waiting on a quote back from Texas Outboard Rebuild, but it looks like I can purchase a rebuilt block for about $2000 on-line, plus whatever freight shipping will cost. I think I am going to go this route, pending information from TOR.

You need to be careful buying rebuilt on the internet.. You would be much better off having it done by TOR...Even with a new rebuild a 1984 engine isn't going to have much value..Good luck with it....

check with boatwhisperer in the classifieds, he rebuilds them and has good pricing.

No way I'd throw that money at that year motor!!! Get a 15 year newer motor that's in good shape or even already rebuilt....

Check out this item I found on eBay: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=131382730248&alt=web

One minute search

Don't even consider a rebuild on an '84 motor. It's foolish to spend $2000 to $3000 on a motor worth maybe $300. Plus, if your luck is anything like mine, just about the time you get that critter rebuilt and running good, all of a sudden an electronic part goes out and it's not available anymore. So, put your money toward a new motor with warranty.

Thanks hop and waydon for the suggestions. I'm taking the short block down to TOR to have them rebuild it. I'm just about done tearing it all down and I could rebuild it myself and save a few bucks, but I'd much rather a pro do it.

txmasterpo and southbay, where you fail to see the value is exactly where I started my plan from the very beginning. While your advice would be sound to the vast majority of folks out there, it doesn't really apply for my situation.

I bought the boat as a project. I got it for well under $1000. I spent a few hundred dollars to rebuild the lower unit with new parts (except the housing). I wasn't planning on needing the block rebuilt, but such is life and I will spend around $2000 on a rebuilt block and any replacement parts needed as I build it back up. I will spend another $2000-$3000 to put in a new transom, new stringers, do some fiberglass work, finish running new electrical, and other hull-related stuff. I'll rhino-line the trailer and fix it up as needed. I already spent another $750 on a new graph. I'll have additional costs here and there, but nothing too major.

Long story short, I will have, for all intents and purposes, a brand new boat for right around $7000 (or under $10k if I spring for new seats, new TM, or other big purchases). Am I in over my head? Nope, not even close. This isn't my first rodeo with turning an '80s boat in to a brand new machine. Will I recoup my money spent? Nope, but neither would you if you bought a brand new boat. Besides, I'm not building it to sell it; I'm building it to use it, and use it for many years to come.

So, if you can point me towards a brand new comparable boat in this price-range, then I will consider your advice in my situation.

Sorry for the rant.

I wouldn't buy a new boat either... It's a suckers bet.....but if I was going to spend 7 k it would be restoring a newer boat that is more functionally designed.... But hey, it's your money...do what makes you happy.

No lie there txmasterpo! New boats are probably more of a gimmick than new vehicles, in my opinion. Like I said in my initial post, I bought this boat from a friend and fellow TFF member that I trusted. I was told the compression was good and that all the wood was good. I bought it under the assumption that a new lower unit was the only major repair needed. Dummy me for trusting word of mouth, because neither was true. We know what happens when we "assume"... [Hard] lesson learned. Had I have known either was bad, especially the motor, I wouldn't have bought it and would have done exactly as you said; put my eggs in a newer boat to restore (yes, I like to do boat projects/restorations).

Aside from that, the boat is functional enough for my needs; such as I like that it can fit in my garage, has adequate storage for how I fish, etc. I don't need the bells and whistles or state of the art. I don't need the "status symbol". Sure, it could have some better functionality, but it is what it is and I like it enough to go ahead and keep it.

And there I go ranting again. I'm just a tad bitter over the whole thing and really do wish I had gone with a newer boat instead, but I have to make the most of what I have I suppose. And like I said, I enjoy doing restorations, so I'll make it worth my while.