88 Evinrude 48HP SPL & 83 Johnson 50HP

[robstead]

Hello everyone, currently looking to repower my 1967 MFG Niagara that has had some issues lately with the currently mounted 1983 Johnson 50HP (J50BELCTA)

I'm looking to replace it with a Evinrude 48HP SPL E48ESLCCC that checked out perfect in a precheck, and visually is almost a clone of the 1983 50HP on my boat currently.

My question is, is there anything off the 50HP motor that would be worth saving that could be used on the 48HP? The year range is off but at a quick glance everything looks mostly similar between the two.

 

[racerone]

Yes save the 83 motor for parts !!

 

[jimmbo]

While the engines may look alike at a quick glance, there may be many differences(close, only means much when it comes to Horseshoes, Grenades, and Nuclear Weapons). A complete comparison of the Parts lists for both engines will show which parts are interchangeable.
I doubt you would see any difference in performance, less than 1 mph, if that, even though the 50 is crank rated, and the 48 is prop rated.
Having a spare Gearcase, Transom Bracket/Swivel, Cowl, etc can always be handy, provided the Parts will switch

Edit: Racer has already voted Yes

 

[racerone]

About 96% of the parts are the same between the 2 motors.

 

[robstead]

Yes save the 83 motor for parts !!

At quick glance or just first thought, is there anything that comes to mind that WOULDN'T be compatible? I'm guessing the the reeds and maybe carbs? Appreciate the replies also if the motors are so similar, the motor I'm grabbing is coming with controls, would it be a smarter move to leave the existing controls on the boat and configure them to the motor, or use mount the ones coming with the motor?

 

[racerone]

Controls should be identical in the way they work !

 

[ct1762@gmail.com]

heads are different. the 48 uses the heads that were on the prop-rated 60. larger high speed orifice on the 48. the 50 I think had an intermediate orifice and the 48 doesn't. reeds are different, and block is ported on the 48 the same as the old 60hp i believe. so basically the 48 is pretty much the old 60hp.

 

[robstead]

heads are different. the 48 uses the heads that were on the prop-rated 60. larger high speed orifice on the 48. the 50 I think had an intermediate orifice and the 48 doesn't. reeds are different, and block is ported on the 48 the same as the old 60hp i believe. so basically the 48 is pretty much the old 60hp.

Interesting to know, since the motors are so identical, the controls I was given and already connected to the motor has a "toggle" switch for choke, whilst the 50HP has the push the key in choke, in terms of making it easy when mounting the motor this weekend should I mount the controls already with the motor to the boat, or fit the controls already on the boat to the motor?

 

[ct1762@gmail.com]

either way doesn't matter, but make sure you adjust the throttle cable around the throttle arm on the engine. what i mean is don't try to pull the throttle arm on the engine toward the throttle cable. Instead, adjust the throttle cable so it perfectly matches the throttle arm or it will throw the synch n link off. Seen many guys do this!