Possible year for this engine?

[jbuote]

Not much to go by, but saw this in an ad...
​It's with a boat, trailer, engine combo, but doesn't say the year of engine., Just says it's a Johnson 115...

Any educated guesses as to this engine year based on one pic?


​I know it's asking a lot, but just wondering if someone might have some clue, as I may call and go take a look at this package if still available...

​Thanks in advance for any insight... lol

 

[flyingscott]

late 80s early 90s

 

[racerone]

1995 ?

 

[jbuote]

Ok thanks!!
​Figured it might be around the early 90's.. Thanks for the confirmation of the "Guess".. lol...
Says it was rebuilt, but didn't say when in the ad..

​it's on a 17' Jay Bee Bow rider, Minn Kota bow mount trolling motor, and trailer..
​He was asking 3k, but reduced to 1500.. Apparently doesn't want to winterize/store, so I think I'm going to take a look...
​Will be calling tomorrow to see if still available..

​Could be a good 2nd boat for this newbie, and at least I know MUCH more of what to look for when shopping this time (engine, hull, trailer) thanks to this forum.. LOL

​I'll let you know...

Thanks again!!

 

[jbuote]

So I think racerone nailed it.. LOL!!

Johnson 115 Model J115TLEOR

I went to look at the boat, and the thing runs NICE!
​Strong spark on all 4 (7/16" gap checked).
​Seller had a spark tester board that could do all 4 cylinders at once... Strong Blue and Snappy on all 4..
​Compression tested too.. 120-125 on all 4.. Port side had about 120.. Starboard was more like 125..
​Thought it was weird, but further research says that's pretty normal for one side to be lower (by a little) than the other.
Research also showed, that's pretty good for this engine.. Right?

​Anyway, trim/tilt works, FWD/REV work, (Short lake test, and MAN the thing flies!! lol), LU gear oil sample was not milky and seller gave me shop name he used to ask his mechanic questions if I wanted.
​So, I called and asked if there was regular service on it, or if was brought in often or not..
​His records said yes, serviced regularly, and no.. Not brought in more than usual..
​Rebuild was about 2 years ago..

Anyway, Bought the boat..
​Engine alone I believe was just about worth the price, but add to that, decent hull, and a trailer..

When I got home, ​I noticed the fuel pump is not the VRO style, or OIS type fuel pump and seller was premixing, so I guess that's been converted already..
At least I thought the 95 115 had oil injection stock, but maybe not..

​All said, not sure it was a "Bargain" per se, but certainly worth a bit more than I paid when you put it all together..

​So after this rambling of mine, and thank you for reading..
Is there anything in particular I should be watching out for on this 95 115?
​So far so good, and there are no issues at the moment, but any insights are more than welcome!

Lastly....
Lower gear oil... My 71 50 hp (first engine for me) of course needs Premium blend or Type "C" specific for electric shift.
This 95 115 does NOT need that..
What oil do I need for this lower? Hi-Vis?

​I honestly haven't even had to look at any other oils than the Type "C" as of yet, so I'm clueless on this one right now..

​Ordering a manual tonight, but it'll take about a week to get here.
It's getting colder.. Going to do an impellor change and gear oil change probably before the manual gets here..
​Hoping to get it out on my local lake once or twice before I have to "Winterize" it, and that's NOT too far away!

​Thanks!!

 

[jbuote]

So, after more looking around, I'm still not 100% sure on the lower gear oil..
​Looks like any 80W-90, and Hi-Vis are both said to be "Good" for the lower on the J115TLEOR...
Sounds about right to me, but....

​Would like to be certain.. Any confirmations on that, or "Nope, wrong stuff" type thoughts?

 

[Chris1956]

Any marine gear oil for mechanical shift motors is fine. You might consider a synthetic gear oil, as they could be a bit better than dino gear oil. That motor looks like a 60* V4, which is a good design. Other than cowling decals, it looks to be in good shape as well.

Not sure what that white thing on the midsection is.

Clean the main fuel strainer under the airbox. Install a water separator fuel filter, if it doesn't have one. Grease the swivel and tilt pins, as well as the steering rod, and enjoy.

 

[racerone]

Really--???------The white thing is the horsehoe bottom cowling piece.----Also the shape of the top cowling makes it 100% clear that it is a 90 degree V-4!!