Need help ID'ing old Johnson 3 hp

[Peterw11]

My recently acquired Daysailer (1963 vintage) came with an old Johnson outboard. It's a two cylinder power head, dark green bottom end with a white fiberglass cover. The decal on the cover says it's a 3 horse. The control layout and basic design is identical to the 4 horse Evinrude pictured a few threads back from this one. It has no reverse and spins 360 degrees on the transom mount.

The ID plate, which is somewhat damaged, says OMC Corp., Belgium.

From what I can tell, the Model # is E4B RCNR and the Serial # B00 8456.

Anybody know what model and year it might be? The numbers don't seem to jibe with anything I've found on other online forums.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Need help ID'ing old Johnson 3 hp

E= Evinrude
4= 4 hp !?
BR = Euro rope start (Made in Belgium)
C = 8, N = 2 therefore a 1982 model
R = a suffix with no significance.

Could have the transom bracket and ID plate from a 4hp fitted to a 3hp ??? could be a 4 hp with a the cover of a 3 hp fitted ??/ Dont know which are even possible. Or a de-rated model but the code usually reflects that.

A few pictures may help someone ID it

 

[Peterw11]

Re: Need help ID'ing old Johnson 3 hp

Thank you Vic for your prompt response.

I know nothing about outboards , but from what I've been able to learn over the past few days, your explanation makes sense. The Model number, while not an exact match, seems to follow the Evinrude number pattern, rather than Johnson.

As far as appearance, I'll try to post some pictures asap, but if you click on the Evinrude 4hp thread started by "someone11", you'll see pictures of his Evinrude 4, which is identical in appearance to mine with the following exceptions:

My engine cover and lower casting is identical in shape and design, except for the paint color, (mine being dark green lower/white cover with the Johnson logo instead of Evinrude colors and logo).

The control panel and layout is the same, with the exception of the color of the knobs and handles (mine are all black plastic).

The throttle control on mine has a black handle, his is red. Same deal with the tiller. Both are the same location and shape.

The actual power heads appear identical, as well. Same design, same components, all in the same location.

The previous owner said the engine runs fine, but the starter cord is broken and needs to be replaced. I have it, I just have to figure out how to reinstall it.

Given the interchangability and common manufacture of various Johnson and Evinrude products, your explanation appears quite reasonable. Now that I've established year and mfr., I have a place to start looking for help.

Thanks again.