1969 55hp Evinrude

[EJ3]

I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on these OB's. I enjoy working on OB's and have an opprotunity to pick one up for $25. The seller admits he doesn't know the condition of it, he just wants it gone. Even thought it's only $25, I would check the lower unit oil and try to do a compression check on it before buying. But I am looking for opinions on this engine to help me make the decision to purchase or not, thanks!

PS

I currently have a 1977 55hp Johnson. I was also thinking that I could use this motor for spare parts possibly. Does anyone know their compatability?

 

[DJ]

Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude

That is an electric shift model. They could be troublesomre if not cared for.

They require a special lower unit lube. It is called "Premium Blend" as I recall.

If it runs and shifts, it's worth $25.00.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude

i don't know how much would be interchangeable. 69 is 3cylinder,, 77 2 cylinder.

 

[EJ3]

Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude

i don't know how much would be interchangeable. 69 is 3cylinder,, 77 2 cylinder.

Your absolutly right!

Mabey a better idea would be to get it, fix it up and enjoy doing it. After that sell it off or get another boat to put it on!!!

 

[bassboy1]

Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude

I recently picked up a 68 55 horse, for 75 bucks, in almost perfect condition. Wondering how much use it got, as it still has all of its original warning stickers and all. We will get around to working on it, and making it a good running at some point. Until then, it is sitting on a pallet in the shop. Yes, it is electric shift, and no you cannot get the solenoids new, but you can send in solenoids to get them rebuilt. Mechanics do it all the time.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude

actually its a hydro-electric shift. not electric.
most the shift switches for both the johnson and eveinrude boxs are NLA, the dist cap is about 120 dollars if still avalible, the last rotor I bought was about 40 and the points(2 sets) were about 20 apiece, the last amplifier I bought was about 320 and that was in the mid-ninties.
never ever heard of having a shift solinoid rebuilt, some of the 2cyl hydro stuff will work but not all.
there really is no interchange of about anything from a 3cyl hydroelectric to a 2cyl mechanical case motor.
even the hydro mechanical cases were vastly different.
last I looked replacement main harness's were still avalible as were the shift cable assy's, last shift cable I bought was about 135,dont even attempt a splice, it wont last.
tried it to many times.
for the time? that was a decent engine,68 was first of the 3cyl loopers. however it just take to much to keep them running now.
unless you have a very good grasp of electronics,hydraulics and a good parts guy save your money.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude

I think the lower unit drain plugs might be compatible, but not much else... quite different animals.

For $25.00 you can certainly part it out for a lot more if you decide not to keep it for yourself...

- Scott