Arguably one of the best outboards ever made. Once you do the compression test, take a quick look at the head gasket and see if it has been replaced or not. These original head gaskets often failed by burning across between the cylinders. So the replacement head gaskets are improved to last another 50 years. Remember, when removing the lower unit, that the little pin which applies pressure against the lower crankshaft seal system, must line up with the slot so the shaft can drop down. So if the shaft pulls down only about 3/8 to 1/2", then stops....don't force it, just make sure it's in gear, then turn the prop a bit, until the pin will line up with the slot, then it will drop down/pull out. If you are able, try to get the impeller with the brass hub, not the plastic hub. These are generally a higher quality but still not near as good as the original impeller that came with the motor. Why? Because rubber really isn't rubber anymore. It's synthetic, or at best, a hybrid. I'm running 1970 tires on the front of my firewood delivery truck, yes....bias ply, but REAL LATEX RUBBER. Tires today are lucky to last 15 years whether you store them, or drive them. My 1954 Johnson 5.5 still has the original impeller, and pumps water like a firetruck.
