1968 55hp johnson knowledge

zuup_2000

Seaman
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
50
I am getting a 1968 55hp johnson for free with all the controls etc.. The power head is in great shape and runs excellent. Im sure you know where im going with this, yes the lower unit is shot. I was told it made some nasty noises and locked up. My question is, are any of the other johnson electric shift LU's interchangeable in the late 60's.<br /> I would like to know what to look for as far as used LU's and if it has to be exact model to work.<br /> I came across a few late 60's electric shift engines and dont want to waste any money on them if they wont work.<br /> Sorry, i dont have any model numbers yet, havent picked up the engine yet. Just trying to get a head start, and seeing if it will be worth fixing up.<br />Thanks Mike
 

phatmanmike

Captain
Joined
Oct 24, 2003
Messages
3,869
Re: 1968 55hp johnson knowledge

your motor is not electric shift, first of all , its called HYDRO ELECTRIC shift... DO NOT get this confused with regular old electric shift, 2 different machines and not interchangable...<br />look on ebay, they are all over the place, you can use either of the 3 cylinder models(55hp, 65hp) or you can use the 2 cylinder model(50hp), but... and this is a BIG but... if you use the 2 cylinder lower unit, the gear ratio is a lil bit diferent, nothing major, and the driveshafts may need to be swapped, again, nothing major, but they will work..... first thing you need is a service manual, they sell them here at iboats.com for about 25 bucks and it will be the best 25 bucks youll ever spend if you plan on keeping this motor for any length of time
seeing if it will be worth fixing up
always<br /><br />m ikey
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 1968 55hp johnson knowledge

Moving to Johnson Troubles
 
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