If you can't find it there then it must be later 70's. Although, those motors normally have a blue top where yours doesn't. Definately looks early-mid 1970's to me, but who knows. Could be later. Of course, it seems odd they say it was an 18 hp if it wasn't.
With no external coils, looks to be the old style ign system-1973 or older. Powerhead might have been replaced- this one looks like Johnson green, not 'rude blue.
I'd say its a no newer than a 73. could be anything from a 15 to 25 hp. power head. Had a Johnson 20 (roller bearing engine) on a 1959 'rude chassis for years. Got two spare power heads, too. Just in case my 20 takes a dive.
i went back out with a flash light. got # 314816 and 314817 off by pass covers. the go to a 1968 18 hp they were in the opposite positions, but thats possible.
The "clamshells" covering the rubber mounts midsection were shaped like that until the 1972 model year. Cowl decal is, as mention before, 1978. What years did the 18, 20, and 25 have a thermostat?
You have a "mix-n-match" motor. The gearcase, exhaust housing, etc. could be from a fairly wide span of years from late 60s to middle 70s. The powerhead is off of a Johnson and the paint color (dark green) suggests 1969 or 1970. The carb may have come with the Evinrude - it looks like it is from a 1972 or newer by the shape of the air cleaner cover.
Short of running down a freeze plug serial number, I think it is going to be hard to figure out if the powerhead is a 20hp or a 25hp because they look identical as far as I can see.
No, it's illegal to possess it if you know that it's stolen. I also got to say that if there's somebody in the business of chop-shopping 30 year old 25 horsepower outboards, he's in critical need of a new business plan.
Well, I am neither a lawyer nor a cop, but it is my understanding that in Florida it is illegal to possess anything that has had the serial numbers removed. I heard of that when studying up on the law requirements to get a second hand dealer's license. Maybe somebody would like to research this topic and report back here with the facts.
