Re: My outboard died. What should I replace it with?
I knew that OMC didn't make a 70hp model in 1972 but the motor they did make was a 3 cylinder 65hp, with electric shift. That part was easy because I have a 1972 65hp. The 1973 was also a 65hp but OMC went to mechanical shift in that year. From that point I went to the maintenance invoice because the shops usually record the model number. That is one of the first things they look at because it determines specs and parts to be used for repairs. Once the model number was obtained, I went to the following site/page:
http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/johnson/
If you scroll down to the 75hp motors, you will find your engine as a 1976 model.
The part about knowing your engine is mechanical shift was easily determined because you can see the shift linkage on the right side of the engine in one of your photos. If you look closely, you will see both the throttle cable/linkage and the shift cable/linkage.
BTW, these are great old motors if you happen to come across one that is in good shape. I bought mine from a guy in Waco, Texas via EBay. I am very choosey about the motors that I buy and find out a few things before I do so. MY 65hp was a great deal because the compression values were darn near factory spec, the motor was a fresh water motor and the original paint was hardly worn - all of those things add up to a motor that was used very little and not exposed to corrosive elements. I paid $400 for it and put about $1,200 into it for servicing, only because I didn't have the time to do it myself right after I bought it. My local OMC dealer rebuilt the carbs and water pump, replaced the fuel pump and rectifier, pressure tested the lower unit, tuned it up, mounted it on my boat and did a few other, minor things. I ended up replacing the coils and the power pack myself later on but I am very pleased with the motor. For less than $2,000, I have a motor that fits my needs well and is mechanically very similar to the newer versions of it made many years later. Had I done all the work myself, I would have considerably less investment.
If you shop for a used motor with the same care, you can probably end up with a similar deal. Also, it isn't that hard to learn how to maintain/repair these motors if you have the tools, the place and the mechanical aptitude. The most important thing is to get an OMC service manual for the model and year that you buy. An OMC parts manual for it is also very handy, if you can find one.
That's awesome.
