Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

[kitebuz]

I currently have twin '89 Evinrude 120's, and am looking to repower w/ a pair of '96 Johnson 200 Oceanrunners. I am trying to figure out what I will need to change over. Which of the following will I need to update, and what am I missing:

- Throttle & shift cable connections
- Wiring Harness
- Instruments (tach, etc)
- Ignition switch
- ??

Also, my 120's had the VRO removed. The 200's still have it. Should I keep it, and how difficult are installing the oil tanks?

 

[crb478]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

You should be able to get an adapter(s) for the red plug wiring harness to fit the black plug 1996 motors. The controls and the throttle and shift cables that you have should work. If you want the check engine gauges you will need to buy two and install them with the appropriate harnesses from above. Everything else should work. Up to you if you want to disable the VRO. I would probably keep it if the oil tanks come with the motors and disable it if they don't. They are easy to install, but pulling the lines through can be a bear sometimes.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

check the price of the adapters, you may buy controls for the same price.

 

[kitebuz]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

Thanks crb - it's good to know I can use an adapter plug if I don't want to get into rewiring right away.

Tashasd - I am not sure what you mean - how are the adapter plugs related to the controls?

I would like to use the check engine gauges, and believe they will come with the engines I am getting. In this case, it sounds like I should plan on switching out the entire harness vs using an adapter plug - is this a correct assumption.

He is actually including all the gauges w/ the engines, so I am hoping they include water temp & pressure, as I have been "flying blind" w/out these so far.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

your 89 wiring harness has a big red plug, the 96, does not, so you need adapters for the harness to work, or new harness. i hate guages, something else to break or make me worry, if i had one it would be water pressure.

 

[kitebuz]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

ok, got it - thanks td.

Any ball park pricing on the adapter plug?

I have an overheat alarm up under my dash, would the wiring for it be part of the existing harness that could drive the check engine gauge?

Next up will be figuring out the steering, but I think I will just wait to see what fittings I get.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

If you want to use the SystemCheck tachometer warning and wiring system, you need kit # 176,345, which lists for $261.00.

If you just want the adapter and use your old tach, control and boat wiring, you want kit# 176,349, which lists for 89.95. You will be giving up a lot of the newer engines features though.

I would strongly suggest talking this over with your BRP dealer. A setup with powerful twin motors and limited electronic monitoring would not be in your best interest.

 

[kitebuz]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

Wow! ok, glad I asked - thanks ezeke. I'm just off cape, so may be trying to contact you - are you a dealer?

Didn't realize the adapters were that kind of money (see what you mean tashasd).

I'm basically getting his entire instrument panel, and wiring, so I think I will plan to rewire my boat w/ all the new stuff to Ezeke's point.

Now for the fun part of snaking harnesses (hoping I can get my existing one out ok).

Is it safe to assume my existing fuel lines should work w/ the new engines (they have racor filters inline).

I will go with the VRO system and install tanks. Is there a decent warning system if it starts to go south (ie oil pressure gauge or the like)?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

I'm not in the business. I like Monahans Marine in Weymouth, MA. http://dealerlocator.evinrude.com/EN/?Rnd=1172157085156

 

[Bsquared]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

My understanding is that the "new" stuff just includes gauges (W/ warning lights) to go with the audible alarms. You will have the audible alarms anyway. You might be able to find the kit a little cheaper on the web. EASY install.

 

[kitebuz]

Re: Repowering '89 Evinrudes to '96 Johnsons

On the water temp, yes, but I currently don't have any water pressure gauge, which would be nice to have.