how available are parts for 70's motors?

[silveraire]

I am looking into buying a motor and have found some nice motors in the mid 70's year range. can I still get a full inventory of parts for these motors?

 

[iwombat]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

Any of the mainstay production units will have parts available. What in particular are you looking at?

 

[F_R]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

Some of the prices will knock your hat off. I just priced a Johnson Electromatic shift switch. It's $400.01 List. If you can find one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

if you stay away from the electro-hydrolic shifts, you should be able to get most anything you need. in other words you want to see the shift lever on the right side on the engine from the rear.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

Actually for the past 12 to 18 months I've had the distinct impression that older parts from Bombardier are:

Greatly rising in price

Becoming vintage (no longer available)

Or if still listed as available,simply are not on the Distribution Warehouse shelves.

Even pistons for some mid-80's V4 are nla.This does leave the consumer up the creek unless aftermarket is available.Has anyone else noticed this?

DHP

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

There is always ebay for NOS/Used parts, TONS of Johnrude' parts on there.

 

[F_R]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

DHP asks if anybody else has noticed. I certainly have. I don't really know, but my impression is that BRP is not making, or buying any more vintage parts from their vendors. And milking the market for all it's worth. And trying to get the older motors retired so people will buy new ones. And last but not least, I suspect BRPs outboard division is in the throes of death. I'll bet within a couple of years there won't be any more Evinrudes or Johnsons. Johnson is already gone, isn't it? How sad.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

F R I really agree whole heartedly.And am glad to see it's not just me noticing.

I think OMC spoiled us with their support of old engines, but if you can't buy a factory piston for a 20 year old product,it's a bit extreme.

And I think you're right about no more outboards before long.Sadly.

DHP

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

hand that will leave us the deal with the bas---ds at Bruswick. or overseas.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

There are lots of changes going on in every industry. 80's motors are going on 25+ years of age. Go to your local auto dealer and try to by parts for you 1982 whatever! While you may find some common items you will be hard pressed to find the model/year specific parts. On popular engines, and as long as there is demand, the aftermarket will continue to produce parts. For others, it may be time to say goodbye. Add up the cost for all the parts it takes to build and engine and you will find the total is many times the original cost of the engine. Why? Because inventory costs money. Money that can be spent on other things so it stands to reason the manufacturers are no longer stocking parts for older engines. The time is coming, unfortunately, when carbed two strokes and even some EFI engines are outlawed and hence will become useless regardless what condition they are in. You've seen Yamaha switch to a serial number program that makes model year a non-issue -- supposedly to help dealers with carry-over product. In my view you have only seen the tip of the iceberg regarding changes in the marine industry.

 

[steelespike]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

Hard for me to believe Evinrude will be gone.It seems to be a carefully developed excellent product with a good support network.
For 50 years the J/E lines were pretty much the same motor marketed to slightly different segments.
Sad to see the Johnson name go if it does but certainly not an earth shattering change based on the product line.It appears to me BRP is presently keeping the Johnson line as an alternative for those prefering a 4 stroke motor.Using the Johnson name to identify the product difference.
It seems that the Johnson line is 50% Suzuki anyway.
To me any BRP changes in parts supply is cost driven.I my opinion used motors are the entry level product that introduces new boaters to your motor and eventually to your new product.If a boater can't keep his used E or J going he is likely to move to a different product.I can see BRP maybe dropping some parts that are readily available aftermarket but they have to maintain a parts network for their new and used product line because as soon as it goes out the door it becomes a candidate for replacement parts.If people can't get parts from a dealer they will drift away. (No pun intended)

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: how available are parts for 70's motors?

^ ^
DHP