Johnson Electramatic

[nortface]

My 16-yr old son bought himself a 1960 or 1961 Larson Sea Lion this past weekend, as a project boat. It came with a Johnson Electramatic motor. Owner said it was an 80-hp, but there are no markings to indicate so. Model # V4AL-14L, S/N: 2292845. Could any one confirm the horse power rating and possibly provide the year?<br /><br />Also, I have not really heard good things about these electric shift motors. Is that really the case? It's apparent it has not been started for quite awhile, so suggestions on how to go about this would be appreciated. Any other helpful hints that I'm not smart enough to ask about, would be welcome!<br /><br />Thank You!<br />George

 

[lark2004]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

1962/1963 75hp, I think, anyone else got any idea's? there are two sites that list that model number, one say 1962, the other says 1963.<br /><br />As for the electric shift, it's a divided opinion, some people like them, some people don't. the old electric shift has a problem if it dies, it neutralises, which means you don't go anywhere. unless you get a tow from someone. Hope this helps.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

My book shows both 62 and 63 which means there were no changes. He'll need a special gearlube called Premium Blend from a Johnson dealer. Mercury's Premium Blend is not the same. Gasil = 50:1. Never shift at high idle or directly from Fwd to Rev, there are tabs on the clutch springs that break off and you can't get replacements anymore. Rebuild the water pump and fuel pump, change the gearlube, and put in a new set of plugs. Those are automatic anytime I buy a used outboard. Have two tanks for gas. Those suck gas! They're gutsy motors when they're running right.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

what willy says <br /> two 6 gallon tanks will last about an hour, maybe<br /> unless you are very fond of that motor, scrap it for a later 3 cyl 70 with power trim .about half the size and weight and 1/3 the fuel and none of the electical problems

 

[nortface]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

Thank you, Gents for the replies! <br /><br />Not necessarily all positive, and it sounds like the motor could be quite problematic. We'll give it some thought before investing a lot of money getting this motor going again.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

If it runs, use it. If it almost runs, fix it. If it clearly won't ever run, sell it off for parts.<br /><br />My '69 40hp Evinrude has selectric shift, and I love it.<br /><br />Working on an old boat & motor with your son could prove to be a very rewarding experience.

 

[nortface]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

AMD,<br /><br />Excellent advice and we'll follow it!!<br /><br />This is the second boat my son have taken on, and your right about that too

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

It can be a very good motor if maintained. The older electric shifts were designed to fail in forward gear, so you could get home. At some point, they were changed to fail in neutral, but I don't remember what year that was. Maybe some of the other guys know. I preferred the "fail in forward" myself, but ..... Only problem I ever had was with a coil failing and I don't remember it being that big a deal to fix.<br />Oh yeah, the electric shift gearcase takes a special oil. You can't put just any kind into it. <br />Have fun with it!

 

[lark2004]

Re: Johnson Electramatic

Hydro electric shift failed into forward, this was the later version, the older one was selectric, which neutralizes.