Re: 1972 johnson 50hp reliable?
Bob,
I own the exact motor you speak of. It is a hydroelectric shift motor. If there is any sign of water intrusion in the lower unit oil you don't want it. I only have mine because I got the whole rig for $100. They are not a motor you want to buy that old unless it's really cheap and can be demostrated not only to run, but to shift. If it can't be run for you, run from it. If it is run for you, know that it is supposed to be in forward gear and immediately upon start up, it will go into neutral if it's working correctly. The electric shift solenoids, wire harness, and shift switch in the controls are NLA, and expensive if you can find them. Mine shifts flawlessly and runs good, although I had to rebuild mine and something is still not just right on it as far as top end power. They're good motors, just no fun to deal with because there's a lot of expensive NLA parts on them. If it can't be demonstrated to shift correctly and run good, I wouldn't get it, otherwise if it's in good shape..............
Good luck,
JBJ
