I have a 1968 Johnson 20 hp outboard. My dad had it tuned up 10 years ago and it was never run after that. I started running it 3 years ago and it has performed flawlessly. I am wondering how often to get an outboard tuned up, what basic service should I expect from a tune up, and how much should I expect to pay. I am on the water about 2-4 days per week all summer if you are wondering how much it has been used.

The reason for my question is UI have no clue about motors. I don't know what these points are or if he's just blowing smoke.

The guy at the local sport shop said he'd do it for $45.00. He said he'd replace the "points" and change the oil in the lower unit. (which I do myself every year anyway). He claims a motor should be tuned yearly.

Help please.

Get him to replace the impeller and possibly the whole water pump.  

Although, it is not hard to do this yourself.  All you need is a good OEM manual, and if you want to do this, I will PM you the name of a boating forum with LOTS of people who rip down and rebuild all types outboards as a hobby.  Check your PMs.

Old outboard motors are much like old car motors.  Regardless of how the old guys (like myself) wax nostalgic on those beasts, they did require more maintenance than newer motors.

Old outboard motors are much like old car motors.  Regardless of how the old guys (like myself) wax nostalgic on those beasts, they did require more maintenance than newer motors.

Yeah, but there are plenty of motors from 1955 or so, that can still run as good as many newer ones.  Plus, I doubt many modern motors are going to last 55+ years, and still show no sign of dying.  Plus, the torture that these old motors take, can not be endured by newer ones.  I have heard stories of OLD OMC motors being submerged in SALT water for 36 hours, and then after a spark plug change and all fluids being changed, it fires right up.  40 years of oil has it advantages.

I'm lucky to own an '87 Yammie ProV.  A real workhorse with gobs of power.  I get on OB motor forums and listen to the guys running newer motors and all the pampering that has to be done and I wonder why I'd ever switch out.