Johnson 55 hp year i.d.

[maineiac5586]

Was hoping someone can help me determine the year of my recently purchased motor. I have the serial number from the quarter size plug on the block but the model number plate I can't read. It's a tiller 55 hp johnson. Manual start. I'll post pics if that helps

 

[racerone]

Picture is a must.

 

[maineiac5586]

Here's some photos

 

[maineiac5586]

Serial number if it matters

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Tiller and primer makes me think late 80's

 

[maineiac5586]

I think it's no older than 1988. Earlier years used gear oil drain plug washers and mine has o rings. Looks like omc started using o rings in 1988

 

[Faztbullet]

WAG.....1987

 

[racerone]

The decals were used in 1987 model year.----I am not sure how a drain screw is used to determine a model year.

 

[maineiac5586]

WAG.....1987

Sorry what does wag mean?

 

[racerone]

Wild %$^ guess.

 

[saltchuckmatt]

I was thinking 87 as well.

 

[markhodges78]

Did they make a 55hp in the 80's

 

[racerone]

Commercial 55 models were marketed in the 1980's-----The motor in this topic is clearly one of those !!----Recoil starter and no oil injection on them----3 cylinder gearcase was adapted to them because the 2 cylinder gearcase is not robust !

 

[markhodges78]

Commercial 55 models were marketed in the 1980's-----The motor in this topic is clearly one of those !!----Recoil starter and no oil injection on them----3 cylinder gearcase was adapted to them because the 2 cylinder gearcase is not robust !

AHH gottcha

 

[saltchuckmatt]

Typically the commercial motors had lower compression to last longer and start easier.

 

[racerone]

Nope----There really is no difference between a commercial model and a recreation model.----Well----Maybe the marketing and the decals !

 

[saltchuckmatt]

I had a commercial 150 and that's what the dealer told me.

 

[racerone]

Dealers want to make a sale I suppose.----Crankcase and cylinder head on this 55 HP appear to be the same part # as 40 HP models.----Easy to look up.