Tall order on 68' 65 hp 3 cyl Johnson

[jjones474]

I have a few questions. I salvaged a 1968 65 hp johnson and put it on my tri-hull. The wiring harness was cut and there are no original controls. I have a set of Mercury controls that obviously do not match up. Is there a converter to go from johnson to merc, or can I get a new harness? I don't know much about outboards, so I haven't been able to test the motor to see if it runs(no wiring for ignition, etc.) Does anyone have an idea how much a repair shop would charge(ballpark) to test the engine, see if it runs, and put controls on? I know controls run $100-$300, but I am not sure about labor, or if they even do things like that. It was going to be a summer project, but I realize I am in over my head. Thanks for any help.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Tall order on 68' 65 hp 3 cyl Johnson

I regularly see complete control boxes incl.<br />cables and wire harness on Ebay, I would look<br />there.<br />PS. can't you try to pull start the motor in the meantime? (perhaps another topic here)

 

[superman]

Re: Tall order on 68' 65 hp 3 cyl Johnson

You need two things, the correct control box and a manual. The manual can e found at the bottom of this page and you should find the correct control box on ebay at a good price. If you have that then there is not much to putting it on. Good luck

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Tall order on 68' 65 hp 3 cyl Johnson

Lets start at the begining. Whats the model number? A 68 3 cylinder is a 55 hp. A 65 hp 3 cylinder would be 72 or 73.<br /><br />Either will start without a harness.

 

[jjones474]

Re: Tall order on 68' 65 hp 3 cyl Johnson

Dhadley, You're right. It is a 72'. I was going from memory, but I did check the serial #, and 72 is correct. I'm not in front of my boat now, so I can't give other specific info right now.