Thinking about buying a project motor - Johnson TRL-10r

[newhamburgboating]

So I currently have a 1964 Evinrude Big Twin. She runs well. problem is all my projects are done.

I stumbled on a motor for sale online.

Details:
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1957-1962 55hp Johnson outboard
[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]Good Compression...needs rewiring... comes with throttle box and electric start.....its electric shift! long shaft $200OBO[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]Now, I don't believe this to be 1957-1962 range. Maybe a '68? [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]Also doesn't look like a long shaft, but the picture may be throwing me off.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]I think I could get them to take 100-150 for it. likely won't be paying $200 for something on the side of a road with "electrical problems"[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]I have zero experience with the electric shift.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]my questions, [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]1) How can I test the electric shift with stuff I can bring with me? I was thinking a few 5' leads of wire and a battery? done some reading on these just a little unsure. It's really not worth anything to me if the LU is buggered. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]2) Any guesses on year? I've seen some posts saying they didn't make a 55HP until '72[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]3) in general, are these electric shifts something to simply avoid?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, sans-serif]4) providing someone guesses the year, ballpark on engine weight? obviously I have no manual for this yet. - may go on a 16' Alum V

as always,

Thanks in advance!
Steve[/FONT]

 

[racerone]

Those that say no 55 hp untill 72 are totally misinformed !!------No need to guess on the year., it is a 1968 and first year for those motors.-----The gear shift will be in forward when motor is NOT running.-------Motor needs to turn in order for the oil pump to provide pressure to shift it.----These electric shifts are very simple and reliable too, your opinion and others will vary on that subject !!-------And it is a longshaft motor.

 

[newhamburgboating]

I like to hear simple!

How about costs for parts?

And any advice for testing the shifting?

Hit the one wire with 12v to the shift solenoid (forget which color right now) and rotate the flywheel by hand until it hits neutral?

If someone doesn't talk me out of it today I will contact the seller for more details about what exactly needs "re-wiring"

 

[racerone]

Cost and availability of parts ???-----Have you not found -----shop.evinrude.com ----yet ?----And 12 volts to green shifts a good lower unit to nuetral after one quick turn of the flywheel.---I do that test all the time !

 

[newhamburgboating]

Thanks Racerone. I should have explained better but was on iphone.

I have a omc dealer in my town. They found me everything i needed for my 64 big twin with next day arrival. never had to go online yet.

I think i meant more like "shift solenoid is $400 and dies often" kinda stuff.

 

[F_R]

Actually, the 3-cylinder 55 was made 1968 and 1969. But no big deal, virtually the same.
$200 is a steal if it is any good and complete. But if not, it can be a money pit. It is Hydro-Electric shift. It actually shifts hydraulically by oil pressure from a pump in the lower unit. So it must be rotating enough for the oil pump to do it's job in order to do anything. Otherwise, it defaults to forward gear. The other part of Hydro-Electric is the electric system. It only activates a pair of solenoids that operate a pair of oil flow valves. For some reason, the solenoids get a lot of bad press. My experience is they usually are not troublesome. What is troublesome is the shift switch in the control. And when it is bad, replacements are scarce and $$$$.

The other part of "Electrical troubles" might be the ignition system. Usually screwed up by novice shade tree mechanics that manage to blow the amplifier. Another $$$$

 

[newhamburgboating]

Thanks FR, that's the stuff I was wondering about. My transom is 17" so a long shaft changes a lot of things for me.

I also have a line on a 50HP early 70's Merc short shaft for $150 described as "running but weak starter". After sleeping on it i'm leaning more towards the Merc now.

Looking up the 55HP Johnson I see it weights 195lbs, my current 40 is only 146. Thats a big jump. 176lbs for the Merc seems much more reasonable.