1968 Johnson 65 HP V-4

[jfc092]

Yesterday I picked up this old Johnson Model VXL-14B. For 50 bucks I figured if I can't get it running It won't kill me. The serial # is J2934597. From looking on this website I figured its a 1968.<br />While I try and locate a manual for it, can anybody tell me about this outboard? Was it a Good engine or did it have the reputation of a Force outboard? Is it 24 to 1 or 50 to 1 mixture? I'm guessing it weighs in the ballpark of 200 lbs.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: 1968 Johnson 65 HP V-4

It weighs closer to 250#, it is a 50:1 motor, they are a tough old motor unless it has elec shift they are hard to find parts for. If it runs you didn't get hurt at all.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1968 Johnson 65 HP V-4

Good manual cheap.

 

[jfc092]

Re: 1968 Johnson 65 HP V-4

I can manually shift it into forward, neutral and reverse by shifting the lever on the starboard side so I'm going to assume its a manual shift. Did they make an electric and manual shift of this model in 1968?

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: 1968 Johnson 65 HP V-4

Yes they made them in the 60's and not for very long, kind of like running a leaky boat when the worked ok they were fine but when they didn't they sank, all kidding aside they also were good motors but now you can't find parts for them and when you do they are expensive. Sounds like you made a good deal, if it runs ok, put it on the boat, grab a 6 pack and go watch the bikinis web page

 

[jfc092]

Re: 1968 Johnson 65 HP V-4

Thanks Bass Runner. I just finished building a stand for it last night. Now I can start playing with it. I found a original OMC manual for it on E-Bay which is now in the mail. I also weighed it on a bathroom scale which came in at 220 lbs. <br /><br />Being a V-4 it sure does have a wide profile making it look alot bigger than it really is.<br />A decal on the lower unit has the words "super quiet" Hopefully I'll get to find out.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: 1968 Johnson 65 HP V-4

Well i had several of the older v-4s and they aren't real quiet, the newer models are a lot quieter than the old ones, I have a 1974 70hp Johnson and it is pretty quiet, course it's a 3cyl. I think you will like the motor they are tough and fast as long as you don't try to put them on a real large heavy boat. Grab a six pack and enjoy playing with it.