Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

[singinout]

Hi I was wondering if it is possible to use controls made for one outboard brand on another? We have a Four Winns bowrider that I believe I had made reference to previously in another post. Anyway, the boat came with a Johnson 115 hp outboard. We are replacing that outboard with a Suzuki 140 hp. Now, the problem we are having is that the wiring and cables ect that go from the controls back to the outboard are all "inside" the wall of the boat and we're not sure how to get them out. It looks like a maze of wires and stuff. Is there any way we can just let the Johnson controls in place and use them with the new Suzuki outboard?? Any help on how this could be done would be greatly appreciated!! Thanx!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

Typically, no.

 

[singinout]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

Um...is there a non-typical way to make it work? What exactly is the difference between different manufacturer's outboard controls that make them non-compatible?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

Um...is there a non-typical way to make it work? What exactly is the difference between different manufacturer's outboard controls that make them non-compatible?

The plug for the wiring would be the main thing. I kind doubt there is an OMC-Suzuki adapter out there (could certainly be wrong). Otherwise I would also think it would be possible that the travel range for the throttle and shift cables could be different (again, I could be wrong and they're standard). Maybe someone else will come along who's done a similar swap.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

Haven't done that swap but I do know that each Mfg. OMC, Yamaha, MC all have different lengths of throw for the controls.
If you can get around that the wires can be spliced.

Most typically everything is just zip tied up in the gunnels, reach in there with some snippers and start removing them carefully.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

What year Johnson?
Weren't some of the last Johnson's actually Suzuki's ?

 

[singinout]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

I believe its a '94 johnson.

What year Johnson?
Weren't some of the last Johnson's actually Suzuki's ?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

A 1994 Johnson is really a Johnson.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

A 1994 Johnson is a two stroke motor. A newer Suzuki is very likely a four stroke motor. If it is a Dxx, it's a two stroke. If it's a DF it's a four stroke. Therefore, wiring will likely not have an available adapter to match the Johnson harness to the Suzy harness. Next, the "throw" of the throttle and shift assemblies may not be the same and you cannot adjust for that. Throw being the amount the cables move when you move the lever. Full throttle on the Johnson control may or may not move the throttle full open on the Suzy. Then there are the cable end adapters that mate the cables to the Suzy engine. Are you getting the idea that this is not a simple yes-no or can I make it work scenario?? Lastly, Some engines pull the cable to open the throttle. Others push the cable to open the throttle. Yamaha within their own engine line does it both ways.

 

[singinout]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

Ok...so I'm understanding that I need Suzuki controls for my Suzuki outboard.

Now my next question...I looked on ebay for controls. I found these: http://cgi.ebay.com/SUZUKI-SIDE-MOU...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item2311760ca5

Now the difference between this and what the boat currently has on it is that the boat currently has the ignition key wired into the dashboard - not on remote. It seems the controls and wiring are somewhat built into the boat and I'm at a bit of a loss to know exactly how to go about switching out the Johnson remote with the Suzuki. I would really like to get this thing on the water soon. Does anyone know if this switch out is a fairly simple DIY kinda job or should I just buy the controls and take it to a marine shop and tell him to do it. Im sure DIY would be the cheaper option if only it isn't gonna be a big headache trying to get it accomplished! Can I switch out the controls and leave the ignition in the dash like it is? Do I need to use the ignition on the controls so that the plugs and stuff match or what??

I know I sound muddled and confused... :-o

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

Every engine manufacturer has ignition, kill switch, warning/indicators and gauge setups that are unique to their engines. So the answer is yes -- for plug and play you need Suzy stuff from end to end. Of course other electrical items can be made to work but you need to be electrically savy in order to do that. While you may tell us "yup -- I'm electrically savy" that means nothing. When things go up in smoke and you are not faced with a big expense for engine electrics you just fried, consider how much easier (not to mention reliable) it would be using the right stuff.

 

[singinout]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

So is it as simple as installing the Suzuki remote and just using the ignition on the remote? Would the ignition wiring be all integrated in the electrical plug that goes from the remote to the outboard? The current ignition wiring I think goes from the dash and is routed under the floor or something. Can I just let those wires lay there not hooked up to anything and basically just use only what comes with my new controls?

Ha, Silvertip, I'm not even going to try and pretend to know squat about electrical stuff! Thats greek to me! My dad is slightly more versed so maybe if you guys can answer our questions and it dont sound too complicated, maybe we can tackle it ourselves.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

Suzy side mount control box has the engine harness that runs to the engine. Plug it in. The side mount box has a built in ignition switch. No fuss. Gauges may or may not be an issue depending on the year of the engine and whether it is a two stroke or four stroke. Speedometers don't care what engine you have. Gas gauges don't care either. Volt meters don't care. Trim gauges (at least the sender) is engine specific. Tachometers are generally universal.

If you have a binnacle control box the ignition switch will be a separate piece but still should be plug & play.

 

[F_R]

Re: Remote Outboard Controls Compatability

If you can get your hands on a complete control, correct for your motor, yes I would think you could just mount it and go, leaving all the old stuff disconnected. Might look kind of tacky.

That old system didn't just materialize in there as part of the Big Bang. Somebody installed it and it can be removed the same way. The boat was built without any motor.