Best service manual

paperdesk

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 28, 2004
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What do you think are the best manuals to use for motor repair and maintenance?<br /><br />I'm specifically interested in buying one for my 1973, 135hp Evinrude, but also interested to know across the board what people use. Also interesting to note the difference in price for what it's worth.<br /><br />1. Clymer ($27)<br />2. OEM Service manual ($40)<br />3. Seloc ($27)<br />4. Other _______
 

Xcusme

Commander
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Apr 21, 2003
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2,888
Re: Best service manual

I personally prefer the OEM's, as they are model specific. The Clymer and Seloc are good for noobs, may not be model specific, they can be vague on some points as well. I'm not knocking the non-oem manuals, it's just personal preference.
 

paperdesk

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Re: Best service manual

Thanks Xcuseme! That's the kind of thing I'm interested in hearing! Hope to hear from others too.<br /><br />Ted
 

ledgefinder

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May 2, 2002
Messages
916
Re: Best service manual

The OEM's best. That particular Seloc/Coles is pretty good (I have both). Don't know about the Clymers. We've had comments on here that the Chilton's on those motors isn't so hot (wiring diagrams mislabelled, etc.). Used OEMs run about $5-15 on eBay.
 

Paul Moir

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Nov 5, 2002
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Re: Best service manual

For your 1979 115hp?<br /> TheOutboardWizard<br />Mastertech<br />Marine Engine<br />Ken Cook <br /><br />All 1996 and earlier OEM manuals are originally published by Ken Cook, since they are the only company licensed to copy them.<br />Sometimes, if you're lucky or patient, you can find a used OEM manual for your engine turn up on ebay. They normally sell in the $10-$20 range, sometimes less. Search for 'Johnson manual' or 'Evinrude manual'. It's helpful to know that for the same years and horsepowers Johnson and Evinrude outboards are mechanically identical. This is true from the early 50's to the late 90's.<br /><br />The parts manual contains exploded diagrams and part numbers for every peice of the engine.<br />The service manual covers disassembly, reassembly, diagnoses, repair, and specifications.<br />The owners manual is like any other owner's manual. It explains how to use the outboard and some simple maintianance, and has some specifications.
 

2637042

Cadet
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Mar 2, 2004
Messages
26
Re: Best service manual

i just got an omc manual off ebay, and it has been very helpful in replacing my water pump, and troubleshooting my cooling system. only $10
 

paperdesk

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 28, 2004
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Re: Best service manual

Thanks so much guys! I'll stalk ebay for one I think! If I can't find one there I'll fork out the bucks to get the OEM. Looks like it's worth it!<br /><br />Also, is it true that the Johnson and Evinrude manuals would work for either make?
 

Solittle

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Apr 28, 2002
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7,518
Re: Best service manual

Your question - "Also, is it true that the Johnson and Evinrude manuals would work for either make?" I know they will work for Gale as OMC made Gale. They will be good for the principles operation and some repairs of all other manufacturers but there are significant differences say between Johnnys and Yammies. The best bet for any motor from any manufacturer is to buy the shop manual specific for your motor from the folks who made it.
 

Paul Moir

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Nov 5, 2002
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Re: Best service manual

I think Ted ment, would an Evinrude manual work for the same year and HP Johnson, or a Johnson manual work for the same year and HP Evinrude?<br /><br />He's already got my reply. :) <br />And I had TheOutboardWizard up there too. :) <br /><br />Also, I see a '73 Johnson 135hp manual up on ebay right now, for 10 bones. Good for three more days Link.
 

1dwight

Cadet
Joined
Jan 14, 2004
Messages
11
Re: Best service manual

Thanks for the help and the links. I found a omc service manual for 24.95 but it is for a 1993. The model #'s closest to mine is E90TLET. Mine is<br />E90TLERC but a 1994. Do you know if this will work.<br /><br />Dwight
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Best service manual

I bought a 1973 Evinrude and have faithfully rebuilt it. In my opinion, you can't do that without the 1973 OMC service manual. <br /><br />Little details like the fact that the gear ratio is different will be missed.
 
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