Need some advice on possible purchase and motor problem

[Greendog0125]

I found a 95 Champion 190 Elite that is in amazing shape-mint. But has issues with the motor. It's a Johnson 200 Venom. Compression works out on all 6cyls- Range is 105 to 115. Here is what I know...

They just put in a brand new VRO pump (it was leaking) and that is when this air leak showed up. The mechanic put on a brand new ball and that didn't do it. The motor would stay primed. Mechanic had it running at low rpms but that's it. Ball won't stay hard. He believe an air leak but could not find it.

They used it all spring and it was running fine until the vro pump started to leak. Was still running but noticed gas in the water when motor was stopped. Then took the cover off and squeezed the ball and saw a small drip from vro.

They mentioned a Crankcase leak but not sure. Their Mech wasn't sure either. My question is with the Compression being good would it be worth it to Dump cash into it. Never rebuilt and they have taken Really good care of it. It is MINT condition. I could prob get it for 4500$

Thank you.

[Lee Smith]

First, welcome to UB!  On your issue, I'm always scared about purchasing a boat that isn't running as it
should, because honestly, there is so many things, "it could be" and the major cost is always in the motor

For me, it would be a pass, just because there is no way to know if the motor is "fixable"  and you could easily end up with a $4500 hull.

That's just my thoughts, others may have a different look on it.


Again, welcome to the site!

[Greendog0125]

Thanks Lee..  I know what you are saying and this isn't my 1st boat but damn she is a beauty for a 95. lol.. That's what makes it so tempting.  All updated and new gear- gauges.   Iv'e always been a gambler on these things and I'm trying to talk myself out of it but having a hard time. Thanks for the welcome to!

[Mike Cork]

I'm with Lee, it could go as deep as a crack in the block behind the VRO. That's worst case but possible.

I'd take it do a different mechanic and get a solid troubleshoot on it and go from there. It it takes $500 to fix it, get that knocked off the overall...