1965 Johnson 90hp electric shift question

[Seabiscuit_1]

Hello everyone

I have a 1965 Johnson 90hp with electric shift. In the process of rebuilding the lower unit I have discovered that the shift wires that penetrate into the gear case are cracked, broken and corroded. They need to be replaced.

My question is about the best way to replace them. I wasn?t able to find a direct replacement part with a quick online search. Does anyone know the OEM part number for it? Are there other models that use the same or a similar part which I could use? Does anyone have any experience with the same problem?

Thanks everyone!

-Matt

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1965 Johnson 90hp electric shift question

i believe they all used the same harness 383781. ishopmarine.com shows it for $102.00.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1965 Johnson 90hp electric shift question

There is a rubber grommet on this wire where it passes through the exhaust housing, this grommet seals out exhaust gasses from getting into the motor cowling. Can you cut off the wires' below the grommet, and solder-heat shrink on new ones'? This wire is exspensive for what it is, if you can even find one

 

[Seabiscuit_1]

Re: 1965 Johnson 90hp electric shift question

Yes, so I?ve discovered. The only one I could find was about $105, which is absurd for 3' of wire, so I?ve been thinking of alternatives. I have considered cutting and splicing the wire but frankly it feels to me like a band-aid on a part I know really should be replaced.

I think what I will do is thread the pass through and screw in a brass barbed hose fitting. I can then pass 2 new wires through and use potting compound inside the fitting and PTFE (Teflon) based shrink tubing on the rest of the assembly for protection. I think this will give me the right combination of sealing, solvent resistance and temperature resistance that I need?..does this sound reasonable? Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1965 Johnson 90hp electric shift question

you will also have to seal the hole where the wire goes thru the cowl at the base of the motor, or the motor will breath exhaust, leaking there.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1965 Johnson 90hp electric shift question

That should work.

 

[Seabiscuit_1]

Re: 1965 Johnson 90hp electric shift question

Great. Thanks for the help!