Help with Year - Recognize this motor? see pic

[Coleman1977]

Does anyone know what year model Johnson this would be? I don't have Ser# but I am curious as the owner sent me these pics and said he thought 1970... I am interested in buying the boat/motor and wanted to research some beforehand. <br /><br />If you know the year, are there any recurring issues with this motor that I need to be aware of? Are they reliable? What about power, etc? <br /><br />Thanks in advance!!<br />Coleman<br /><br />

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Help with Year - Recognize this motor? see pic

Very reliable engine, and very easy to work on. Ignition problems are typical because the old ignition coils would crack when aged causing power loss. Fixing up the ignition system is fairly inexpensive though since the problem is so common. Ignition coils go for about $17.<br /><br />THat's got to be at least a '71 and probably no more than that since the cowl style changed in '72. Get a model number from the transom bracket to be sure it is what he thinks it is. The nameplate is on top of the tilt/swivel bracket just between the two transom clamps. That doesn't have the super-quite exhaust housing that was present on '60-70 40hp engines (but was taken off '71- engines). But that style exhaust housing was used on '62-'71 28 and 33hp engines. So you really can't say for sure it isn't one of them with a 40hp cover on it.<br /><br />The cowl looks '71 though.

 

[Coleman1977]

Re: Help with Year - Recognize this motor? see pic

Thanks, Paul. Nice to hear that this model is reliable (and easy to work on) as that is my primary concern!<br /><br />Coleman

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Help with Year - Recognize this motor? see pic

Search around here for posts on "Big Twins". These engines all originate in the '51 25hp (Johnson and Evinrude). That was the flagship and most powerful engine for J/E until they introduced the V-4 in '58. <br />They were sold in the recreational market up into the late 70s, and to the commercial market for a number of years until I think the late 80s.<br />There are two different "styles" of these engines - ones that have thermostats and have the Super-Quiet midsection (35hp '58-59, 40hp '60-'70) and those that have the old style midsection with no thermostat (25hp '51-55, 30hp 56, 35hp 57-some of '58, 28hp '62-'64, 33hp '65-70, and 40hp 71-80something). As you can see quite a legacy!<br /><br />Like any outboard, check compression and the lower unit oil for signs of metal or water intrusion. A running test will give you a real good idea of it's condition.

 

[Coleman1977]

Re: Help with Year - Recognize this motor? see pic

Great info! Thanks!