Re: 1972 Johnson 65 HP
It is true that a hydro-electric OMC motor defaults to forward. To me, that is a very handy feature, because if the shift system ever fails while some distance from the ramp or dock, the motor will still get the operator "home."
I agree that the prop will turn a couple of revolutions on startup, but I would clarify the statement by saying that it will do this when running out of water, where there is no resistence to speak of. In the water, I doubt it turns much at all - maybe 1 revolution or less. I own a '72 65hp Johnson and can start the motor in the water while not tied to anything and the boat will not move to any noticeable degree.
The main difference between the '69 motor and the '72 motor is hp and ignition system. As has been pointed out, the '69 is 55hp, while the '72 is 65 hp. More importantly, the '69 has battery-CD ignition, while the '72 has magneto-CD ignition. The latter is a much better ignition system and parts can still be found - both through BRP and aftermarket suppliers (Sierra & CDI). In fact, rumor has it that if BRP is used as a source for these parts, what is supplied will actually be an aftermarket part, but at about twice the price.
Some parts can still be obtained for the battery-CD system, but not all and the number of them is increasing rapidly. For example, the amplifier assembly used to be available, but was very expensive. I just looked at shop.evinrude.com and as of now, its an NLA item. There are also a number of parts related to the distributor system, which have been NLA for quite awhile.
The problem parts on the hydroelectric shift models are the shift switch, the wiring harness that runs through the midsection and the lower solenoid in the gearcase. All are NLA items, but there are "workarounds" for the first two. If a lower solenoid goes, about the only fix is to find an NOS part at a dealer (which is next to impossible to do), or a used part that still works. One trick to staying away from a motor that is likely to have solenoid problems, is to drain the gear oil and look for water in it - water intrusion is what usually causes the solenoids to fail.
All of this said, do not expect to buy a $200 motor, slap it on a boat and enjoy years of trouble free service. If you buy the '72 65hp, you will probably end up replacing a few things either immediately, or soon after you start running the motor. Among those items will most likely be the rectifier, fuel pump, water pump impeller (this should be done immediately), powerpack, timerbase and possibly the stator. A carb rebuild with link-n-sync, is to be expected too.
Personally, I would not touch a battery-CD OMC motor. They are too hard to get parts for and I just think the ignition system was marginal to begin with. The magneto-CD ignition OMCs, are a different matter and the decision on whether or not to buy, is purely a matter of overall condition. I've had my '72 Johnson 65hp for five years and run it extensively. It has been extremely reliable, but I'll make the disclaimer that the first thing that I did when I bought it, is to go through the motor and fix anything that was wrong with it. I also rebuilt the ignition system after a few months of use. That included all new ignition coils, the powerpack and the timerbase.
In summary, the '72 65hp would be the one to consider. If it is in good condition, it could be a great find. If not, it could be a money pit. You'll just have to make an informed decision as to which you believe to be the case.
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