1961 Johnson 40 horse numbers

[M74CRAN]

hello all I was wondering if anyone might have the breakdown for my model RDSL-23 and serial number 2228215, I searched the web with no <br />answers and I bought a Clymer Evinrude/Johnson outboard shop Manual 1956-1972 1.5-125 with no answers, Now I might be wrong but don't the <br />numbers identify what options came with that motor like long or short shaft,carb,electric or pull start,alternator,generator,tiller or <br />remote so on and so forth can someone shed some light on my dilemma or am I just far out there thank you for your time.

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1961 Johnson 40 horse numbers

Hello.<br />The RD series start in the fifties as 25 horse engines,later they go to 30 which were the biggest around.By 1957 they are upgraded to 35 horse and again the biggest.1959 changes colors from red to white and by 1960 it becomes 40 horse.There is RDL with L for longshaft,then there is RDE with E for electric start.The RDS has the S standard shift as opposed to electramatic,but I may be wrong there.the 23 is the year which is 61

 

[TLanglitz]

Re: 1961 Johnson 40 horse numbers

I'll leave what the numbers mean to the pros, but I have an RDSL-20 which is a 35horse 1958 model. It has electric start, a generator, remote steering and standard shift. I'm not sure that it is a long shaft though. I saw a longshaft extention on ebay and mine does not have that. I always thought the longshaft was for a 20" transom, which my boat has, but was cut down for this motor. I suppose it's possible that it was changed over before I bought the motor though.

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1961 Johnson 40 horse numbers

The L does stand for long but even the short rd engine has a shaft that dependent on which cavitation plate you measure to, is either 15 or 18 inches long.I have seen quite a few boats with adjusted transoms to get these engines into their "sweet" spot.

 

[andiemarie]

Re: 1961 Johnson 40 horse numbers

I have an RDS-23 and have a Johnson parts manual and shop manual. The parts manual is for both the RDS and RDSL. The only part difference I can see is the gearcase group - basically extensions and corresponding screws -etc. I have an electric start/remote steering on mine.