"christopher krigbaum" wrote in message
m...
got a 199? (previous owner didn't know the exact year) Johnson 30hp 2
stroke
the other day.

Chris - first, if you're interested in the year, the model number (not
serial number) of the motor has a code that will give the year. Your model
number probably starts with J30. At the end of that number (the last two
characters usually) will be two letters taken from the word "introduces"
Each letter in that word corresponds to a digit 0 through 9, with I=1,
N=2... E=9, and S=0. Sometimes it's not the last two letters, but it's
usually obvious when the last letter is not a year digit. For instance, a
model number posted on this newsgroup in the past, E90ELEUA would be an
Evinrude 90 electric, model year EU= 97. The A at the end is obviously not
part of the word INTRODUCES, therefore stands for something else, maybe
origin? So for your motor, look at the end of it's model number and use the
two letters beginning with E (assuming you're sure it's a 90's) All this
stuff is on the web if you're interested.

Nearest boat shop is 50+ miles away and can't make the trip
anytime soon. Anyone know if 80w-90 will work in the lower unit? (he
didn't
know that either) I drained the old out and can only imagine it was
winterizing stuff as it was extremely thick and bluish in color. he'd had
it
parked for a couple of years.
chris k.

As for the lower unit oil - it might very well be plain old 80w90, I don't
know. However, I'd advise that you just go to a K-Mart or any other big
store and buy a tube of marine gear oil. It's readily available, convenient
packaging, and cheap. Boat shop generally not needed for this. It is indeed
very thick, especially when cold, and the bluish color is proably a good
sign. If it was cloudy/gray/brownish it might mean water was in there
somewhere. When you change it, note the color of the new oil - then change
it again after you run the motor a while in the water and see if it's the
same. Doing this is quick and cheap and an easy quick way to check out the
lower unit seals. I always do this if I get a "new" used engine.

Also is the 50:1 fuel to oil ratio used on
this? Any help is appreciated.

As for fuel mix, yes 50:1 is the mix - this has been the case since the 70s
and even earlier for some engines (I have a 60s Merc 110 that does 50:1).
I recommend starting out with completely fresh fuel/oil mix. If the old
stuff has been sitting for 2 years it could cause problems.

Don't get us started on the debate of generic oil vs. name brand!! Use your
own instincts on that one, there's no right or wrong answer imho.

Most important, have fun on the water.

Cam