Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

[BonairII]

My current motor('67 Johnson 80hp-crossflow) is a good motor, but I'm always on the lookout for a somewhat newer 70hp(or up to 90hp) looper.

Not only would a looper be much better on gas, but a newer motor would have a better gear ratio and allow me to run a much higher pitched prop(max pitch prop for my motor is 11).

What year did JohnnyRudes start rating hp at the prop?

Are there certain years that (70hp-90hp) loopers were made?

Looper has #1 cyl on the left bank....and crossflow has #1 cyl on the right bank. This true?

I'd like to be able to spot a looper on craigslist without having to call every ad (I doubt a lot of sellers would know what they had anyway).

 

[Slojoe]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

OMC changed the hp rating in 85 and added VRO. 3-cylinder, 76-92 or maybe -95?? are basically the same with minor differences, use the same controls. 78-up use the more common internal trim, pre-78 external tilt units are hard to find. Try to avoid 68-72 electric shift and 73-75 hydro shift as the lowers are more complicated and getting pretty old. If you find a mystery motor online you can get the year from the model #.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

All 3-cyl motors(within the years you stated) are loopers?

What is the first year(s) that the LU gear ratios got better than my '67 (my gear ratio= 1.15:1)?

 

[dehydrated]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

V6 started in 1986 rated at the prop.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

Loopers are NOT much better on gas, just slightly better. They DO produce much better low end torque, however. If you want much better on gas, you need to be thinking 4S or DI (Ficht or E-Tec).

 

[daselbee]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

"Looper has #1 cyl on the left bank....and crossflow has #1 cyl on the right bank. This true?"

Not true. #1 is the highest cylinder in the block, following on down to the last cylinder.

Loopers have a flat top piston, crossflows have a domed top piston and bypass covers on the side of the block.

Study the parts diagrams (crank and piston section), as well as looking up the piston part numbers on Wiseco's site for accurate pictures.

For instance, if you see a cylinder and crankcase item and it is described as "bypass cover"...well then.....

 

[BonairII]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

Yup, I know what the pistons look like on crossflows vs loopers. I was hoping that there were visual clues(on the outside of a motor) to whether a motor was a looper or not.

I doubt that many sellers would be willing to pull a plug and check piston shape for me, if I was inquiring about the motor via email/text or phone.

I just saw a 1973 evinrude 85hp in an ad today....would that motor be an upgrade to my '67 as far as performance and/or fuel consumption. I normally look for newer than 1970's, but noticed that it has power tilt.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

The '73 would be an upgrade. No electric shift and perhaps a little better fuel economy, more modern power pack electronics. My '73 was a great motor.

 

[daselbee]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

OK well....then examine the outboard sides of the block to see if it has bypass covers. Loopers will not.
Probably best seen on the starboard side.

 

[BonairII]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

The '73 would be an upgrade. No electric shift and perhaps a little better fuel economy, more modern power pack electronics. My '73 was a great motor.

What is the advantage of a powerpack? (aside from the fact that they cost $300+ when they go bad. )

 

[mark1961]

Re: Spotting a JohnnyRude "Looper" by year/horsepower ?

What is the advantage of a powerpack? (aside from the fact that they cost $300+ when they go bad. )

While still not cheap they cost alot less than that actually.....less than $200 including shipping if you shop around and thats OEM......even less for an aftermarket version.

No moving parts to wear out or require frequent adjustment/servicing is one advantage imo.....i understand how some might see that as a disadvantage though ie. non serviceable.....id rather be out on the water than playing with an ignition system anyday.