Reply To: Restoration of 1964 3hp Johnson JH 19A

[Don]

Perhaps it is best not to mess with it at all.  Service the ignition/fuel/water pump and run it, will be fine I’m sure…  Most of these old engines really never get enough time on them to require a “rebuild”.  There is no evidence of overheating (no badly discolored/burnt paint) on the head and block)?  Keep in mind the exhaust cover is not water cooled, so the paint will be burnt off that piece.  There is no real reason to pull the head/exhaust cover unless you see evidence of a major leak or overheat.  The compression is about normal for one of these and even on both cylinders.