Johnson Electric Shift

[ronkielb]

I have a 1972 Johnson 50 HP outboard with electric shift - I was told I can substitute regular automotive transmission fluid instead of the expensive Johnson's product for the lower end lubrication on this motor - does anyone have any comments on this?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson Electric Shift

NOT!!!!!!!! premium blend type "c" lower unit oil, only.

sure, you can substitute it, but how long the lower works is not looking good in the future.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Johnson Electric Shift

I've had certified OMC techs tell me that too, but I would want to be careful about just which ATF I used. Seal compatibility is an issue not to be ignored.

Based on some research that I have done in the past, some mineral oil based ATFs basically are Type C fluid. That said, Pennzoil apparently makes a Type C fluid, and its not very expensive. See the link, below.


http://www.c-mesales.com/contents/en-us/p1405.html



.

 

[crackedglass]

Re: Johnson Electric Shift

I'd be very leery about using ATF, Type C fluid from OMC is an 80W lube. It's a thick fluid, not a 10W transmission type fluid.
I'd be concerned about gear wear, and the likely hood of the thinner fluid being more apt to leak. It shouldn't be too hard to find locally, OMC used that fluid from 1962 to 1972 in their outboards and up to 1977 in their stern drive units.

 

[royal0014]

Re: Johnson Electric Shift

DON'T DO IT!!!!!! You'll regret it.........

Part of the reason for the Type 3 is electrical conductivity. Think about it; two open coils sitting in an oil bath. If stray current from one reaches the other, and both engage, so long prop shaft........

The cheap way out usually isn't

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Johnson Electric Shift

Type C is not expensive. Electric shift parts are very expensive.
Type C available here at iboats:
http://www.iboats.com/Type-C-Gear-Oil/dm/*******.701482608--**********.207257905--view_id.45019