Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

[walexa]

I am looking for an older OMC 7.5-15hp outboard, short shaft.......something in the 1950-1960 series, and I want some guidance:

1. Which cowling design was the best....so far as quiet, and easy to remove? I know the early QDs had screws, then later years some cowls split side to side while others split front to back.

2. What was the difference between the engine sizes.....were they the same displacement, just different carbs?

3. Did any of these older motors have the shallow drive? If so, which years/models?

Any additional information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Waylan

 

[walexa]

Re: Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

Bump.......

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

Just from memory, screws 'till maybe 53, then split sideways Evinrude at least, late 50's Johnnys split F/B, don't know on carb/HP, and the 3 horse "Weedless" drive ...hmm... I have a 52 3, a 63 3 (think its 63), and a 55 I think
Small 3 weedless run $300 ebay, 7,5/15 Rudes, middle 50's great motors (have a 55 15). price depending on condition....5 HP TD's and TN's good motors, 5 1/2 CD'2......late 50's Johnnys great motors..

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

Exactly what Scaaty said. 15hp run to '56 then the new 18hp engine gets introduced, so no more 15hp until the mid 70s. The 10hp (-64) is a good strong engine. The 7.5hp was the largest engine without big end rod needle bearings so it's prone to breaking connecting rods if abused. They gained a reputation and even a nickname from it. If buying one, you need to hear it running and listen for knocking noises coming from the engine, otherwise known as the death rattle.
The 5.5hp, 10hp and 18hp engines have the greatest support since they ran the longest. Up to '64 for the former two and into the late 70s for the 18hp.
All the engines are different with different displacements, etc. The mid 60s 5 and 6hp were virtually the same engine except the 6hp was full shift and other goodies. Other than that, some shared a few parts but that was about it.
I like the fiberglass hoods since they come off very easily. '59 and up.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

Amen on the FG hoods! Of course the old metal has a real touch of class. Really rough to get off and on, but if ya get'em running right, no need to open them up anyway. Can't beat that 50's look.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

i've got a '55 15hp use it every week,,,will idle all day without a cough or sneeze, and then run wot like a scared cat.

 

[walexa]

Re: Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

Paul,

Are you saying that all engines larger than 7.5hp always had big end rod needle bearings?

Thanks everybody for the information. I ended up finding a good deal on a 1990 Honda 15 with extremely low hours. It is said to be off a barge and hardly used, although the weather has taken its toll on the cowl. Once I found the honda I felt that maybe it would be a better choice in the long run due to fuel savings. I still love the old outboards though......simplicity at its finest in many cases.

Waylan

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Which older 7.5 to15hp Johnson/Evinrude

If your using it in salt water, the oil pan is cooled by that water, and will corrode...keep it flushed