What does "Commercial" mean?

[Mike Robinson]

I have a 1994 Johnson 150 "Commercial", model number J150WTXERC. I assume this means it is more heavily built in some way. Would someone be able to enlighten me on this?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

They can have a different gear ratio, and generally, they are a no frill's engine.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

Thanks<br /><br />How is the gear ratio different? Is it higher, lower? What is the reason for the different gear ratio?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

They had a lower gear ratio meant for heavy duty use. They were made for heavy work, or fishing boats.

 

[DJ]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

Several things, depending on model.<br /><br />1. Larger gearcase (V-4's had V-6 gearcases)<br /><br />2. No frills, (oil injection, etc) Some smaller engines were rope start only.<br /><br />3. Lower gear ratios for pushing very heavy loads.<br /><br />4. Lots of stainless steel hardware.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

They are also made for low octane fuels and most have different cylinderheads or thicker head gaskets for lower compression.<br /><br />Also some models have a cleanable underhood fuel filter that is different than recreational models.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

A little off the subject but last week we were in Marco Island and they had pulled the dredge barges into the Marco River and Collier bay until Hurricane Dennis had passed that area. One of the barges became grounded just outside of our condo and I watched 2 guys in a small boat with a Johnson 115 push and pull on that barge for 10 hours one day. I know my 115 would never take the punishment they put that engine through. Must have been one of those commercial models.

 

[BillP]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

Mike,<br /><br />Just guessing here but your 150 is probably a detuned (low compression) 26XX cc 175. Regular 150s were 24XX cc...different bore, same stroke.<br /><br />Here are some items on my 65hp omc commercial (overseas version)... <br /><br />Same powerhead but thicker head for lower compression. Ok down to 67 octane (a 70hp "domestic" is basically a detuned 65hp "commercial", etc.). <br /><br />No VRO <br /><br />Drive shaft has more splines so it won't strip under rapid high throttle gear changes.<br /><br />Heavy duty fuel pump.<br /><br />Chromed wp housing surface for less impeller wear.<br /><br />Gearcase is identical to the 70 hp domestic version. Evinrude advertised different gearing in the 1990s.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: What does "Commercial" mean?

Excuse my ignorance, but what would the advantage be to lower compression?<br /><br />Why the lower gearing? Wouldn't a samaller pitch/propellor accomplish the same thing?<br /><br />Thanks