14hp Johnson?

[Bob Hurst]

I'm looking at a supposed 14hp Johnson outboard. The model no. is VJ13RCEC, the serial no. is H8400477. The seller says it's a Hong Kong made commercial grade model. Is there such a thing? It looks really clean, but I'm a little leary of a Hong Kong motor, even tho I've heard of commercial grade Johnsons. It would go great on the boat I have in mind putting it on. Any help is appreciated!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 14hp Johnson?

I don't know anything about the engine (other than the fact than I have a 1950 14hp and I doubt they are similar) but just based on the model # usually a J13...would be a 13 hp I would think.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 14hp Johnson?

From what I can figure, that's a special commercial version made for a boat manufacturer. The date breaks down to 1998. Nothing about Hong Kong in that model number. Hong Kong made Johnsons have an H as the first letter. V designates a special made for a boat manufacturer. The H in the serial number, though, could indicate a Hong Kong origin.

RC indicates a rope start commercial engine with a CD ignition.

The horsepower designator, 13, is an oddball. Can you describe the overall appearance of the engine? A photo would be even better.

This outboard may be a little difficult to source parts for. It will use parts used on other Johnsons, for the most part, but it may be a detuned 15 to meet some local requirements of some kind, so may have an intake plate that reduces the size of the manifold opening.

I'm betting it's essentially the same as the Johnson 15 of that year, with some change needed to meet some tax or horsepower limit somewhere outside of the US.

 

[Bob Hurst]

Re: 14hp Johnson?

Hey Cat Transplant, the motor looks alot like other Johnsons from the mid 1980's to the late 1990's. I have a 1986 six horse that looks pretty similar, the motor was on a site here in the Chicago area. I hesitate to mention the site tho for concern about violating any forum rules. The price was right to me so I'm probably going to pick it up if it runs good when I see it. My plan is to replace a 1980's vintage Merc 20hp that is a little to big for my needs. My preference lately has been towards Johnsons, even tho my understanding is that production was stopped a few years ago.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 14hp Johnson?

OK, if it has the slanted cowling, then it's a derated 15 hp. Could be based on an earlier year, but I doubt it.

I wouldn't worry about the single horsepower...it'll probably perform about the same as the 15. Parts shouldn't be a problem, either, although you may find some discrepancies with other models. Commercial outboards can be a problem that way at times.

It's not going to perform like your 20 hp, though.

 

[Bob Hurst]

Re: 14hp Johnson?

Picked up the motor. It's a 14hp SPL, SPL stands for? Motor ran fine after we replaced the fuel line. The telltale looked good, water coming from the exhaust would be normal on an older johnnyrude, is this one of the motors where they put a newer powerhead on an older lower unit? Another thing, a sticker on the inside of the motor said 1984, even tho the model number would indicate a 1998. Also a plate on the side of the motor said; Hong Kong, so is was put together over there I guess. Thanks for all the input!