Re: Swaping engines, what fits?
Hi Guys,
So I am swaping my 87 VRO 70 horse Johnson that I burned the middle piston on, for an 83 johnson 70 I got a smokin deal on. The 87 is power trim and the 83 is manuel. My question is Will all the controlls swap from the 87 to the 83? What do I need to know about swaping motors? I have never done this but am capable.....Built a drag car and restored a few hot rods and have worked on a few older johnsons in the past.
Thanks again for your help.
Davis
Yep the controls are compatible. They're both the large red plug wiring harness. The shift and throttle cable connections are the same as well.
As mentioned, you could swap the power trim unit from your blown motor to the new one if you feel ambitious. I did that with my 1995 70, swapped in the whole engine bracket and power trim from a 1990 unit. It's not that complicated if you get a service manual for the motors.
Swapping the motors is also pretty easy.
Disconnect the fuel line from the motor
Disconnect the battery leads from the motor.
Disconnect the throttle and shift cables at the motor
Unplug the big red connection for the wiring harness at the motor.
Disconnect the power trim cables at the motor
Loosen the steering rod connection.
Then you have 4 large through bolts holding the outboard to the transom. Unbolt them and be very mindful that the motor isnt going to fall off.
Two men can usually lift those motors off; they weigh 250lbs.
Installation of the new motor is the reverse. Just remember to re-seal the holes where the bolts go through with plenty of 3M4200. Regular silicone won't do, use the 3m4200 or 3m5200 only.
Also, you may find that you need to slide the outboard over to port side on the transom before you can remove the steering cable fully. The same goes when installing the new motor. Be sure your steering rod is installed in the motor before you bolt it down.
Cheers and good luck.
