1988 Johnson 88SPL powerhead swap '76 Johnson 115

[SlappyWhite]

Hi all, I have '76 115hp Johnson with blown cyl. It's a clean freshwater motor. I also have a '88 johnson 88spl, runs great, but corrosion issues.
Can I put the 88spl on the 115? Are the lower units compatible? Thanks

 

[racerone]

Lower units shift opposite.---Gaskets between exhaust and power head is different between those years.----So I think this will not work.-----Linkages need to be changed to swap the lower units.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Thanks racerone, aren't the engine blocks the same?

 

[racerone]

I believe they look the same to you !-----??? And post # 2 clearly states that these 2 blocks use a different gasket

 

[V153]

Different block/base gasket. Bolt centers are different as well. Won't work. Ask me how I know ...

 

[V153]

I believe they look the same to you !-----??? And post # 2 clearly states that these 2 blocks use a different gasket

Eh they do look alike r1, but not quite ...

 

[V153]

And just so's y'all know. The ole start the bolt sideways trick will not work in this case ...

 

[racerone]

?----The blocks look the same to the original poster I think !!

 

[V153]

Less ya gotta lotta pre '77 parts in your pocket. If'n yer gonna monkey around with Xflows stick to '78 or newer. Only exception being the '77 140, cuz it has the bad ass tuner. Only thing changed in the block since then was in the early '80s when they went with a larger main crankshaft bearing/journal. All 'external' pieces will bolt right on.

 

[racerone]

?----Actually 79 was the first year that ALL 3 versions of the V-4 used the same big main bearing as the earlier V-6 models.

 

[SlappyWhite]

Pulled motor from 88, installed in 115 housing,,,,no problem

 

[racerone]

List the model numbers of these 2 motors !

 

[SlappyWhite]

J88mslcc to a 115etl76g

 

[SlappyWhite]

haven't turned it yet, I'm brining a turkey now. will update

 

[jimmbo]

?----Actually 79 was the first year that ALL 3 versions of the V-4 used the same big main bearing as the earlier V-6 models.

3 versions? In 79 there was an 85, a 100, a 115, and a 140

 

[Faztbullet]

Johnson didn't make a 115 in 1976.......and only 78 and up will fit.

 

[racerone]

What ???-----Sure they made a 115 in 76 and many other years too.-----I suspect model # plates on these above motors were switched.-------What color is the 76 model 115.----The original was green !

 

[Faztbullet]

Evinrude did but Johnson did not....try plugging that model into Marineengine or shop evinrude and ya wont find it. Still a 76 wont bolt....

 

[racerone]

You must be joking here.-----The Johnson factory brochure shows a 115 hp model for 76.----I might even have one too !

 

[jimmbo]

Evinrude did but Johnson did not....try plugging that model into Marineengine or shop evinrude and ya wont find it. Still a 76 wont bolt....

Your source of info is wrong. There was a 1976 115.