1975 40hp johnson shaft interchangeability

[Billyjackreally]

I was wondering if anyone knows if the short shaft of a 1961 johnson 40hp will fit a 1975 johnson 40hp. I have the opportunity to purchase a longshaft one and before i do ( for once) i am inquiring as to exactly what i am getting into. If i have the right shaft i have read i have to cut five inches off the water tubes and i have a 1961 here so am wondering if they interchange or not because i think a new shaft is fairly expensive.

Oh this is my first post here so ........ hi Folks!

 

[F_R]

Re: 1975 40hp johnson shaft interchangeability

Shaft is not compatable. Also if your '75 is a factory long shaft, that water tube you contemplate cutting is up inside the housing. Not saying it isn't possible, just difficult to do anything up in there. Also, the shift rod will be 5" too long. Those things are not a problem if it is a factory short shaft with an accessory kit installed.

EDIT: BTW, that drive shaft isn't going to be too easy to find. Some genius figured out a way to screw up a perfectly good design. It was changed in 1974, and only made through 1976.

 

[Billyjackreally]

Re: 1975 40hp johnson shaft interchangeability

Shaft is not compatable. Also if your '75 is a factory long shaft, that water tube you contemplate cutting is up inside the housing. Not saying it isn't possible, just difficult to do anything up in there. Also, the shift rod will be 5" too long. Those things are not a problem if it is a factory short shaft with an accessory kit installed.

EDIT: BTW, that drive shaft isn't going to be too easy to find. Some genius figured out a way to screw up a perfectly good design. It was changed in 1974, and only made through 1976.

Thanks ! Its either put a piece of plate or something on the transom or leave that motor there. Going to look at it shortly

 

[Billyjackreally]

Re: 1975 40hp johnson shaft interchangeability

Thanks ! Its either put a piece of plate or something on the transom or leave that motor there. Going to look at it shortly

_or find a complete lower unit. I may get the motor cause in the pic it looks almost like new and its priced right and the omc two strokes here over 6 hp seem to be pretty pricey or wore out or maybe they always were i dunno because i always have fished with 6hp. Putting that motor on an old vintage springbok 14.5' aluminum boat .Glad i joined this forum now ( i may learn somethin')