1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

beekeeper1958

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Dec 29, 2013
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i have a 1978 evinrude 115 with bad crankshaft .i have a 1980 115 with good crank , i know that they have different part numbers . but does anyone know if it will work? the have the same size journals .pistons and rods are same. i do not see any differences in them. any help would be grateful thank you
 

Joe Reeves

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Feb 24, 2002
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13,262
Re: 1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

In looking thru my parts books (1978-1980) for the original part numbers, then searching thru my various price books for the final superseded numbers of both crankshafts, I can see where the confusion would sit in.

The 1978 115 C/S 386281 supersedes up to 396689 and is listed as Not Available as of 1997, and of course omitted from later price books.

The 1980 115 C/S 389599 supersedes up thru 393751 to a final number of 396623. It does not appear in thr 2004 book, therefore also assumed as being Not Available at some earlier date.

Judging from the part numbers of the two crankshafts not interchanging at some point, it would appear that there is some difference between the two that would prohibit their interchange.

HOWEVER.... Back during those years, for some reason, there would be be a change of part numbers between a crankshaft of say a 90hp and a 115 hp of the same year, the difference being that one hp crankshaft would include the top bearing housing or perhaps one would include the sealing rings where the other would not. We in the trade, at that time, would of course know that the crankshafts would be identical and why... BUT thirty years later or so, the memory has a tendency to fade. This addition or parts to a unit could be the reason for the part number failure to interchange.

I realize that this reply is of no help to you but it does get it back to the top of the pile for other members to re-read. The only advice I can give is for you to inspect the two crankshafts thoroughly... rod throws & their position, mains, D/S spline count and depth, top taper, everything.

Whatever you find, I'd be interested in hearing about it.
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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Re: 1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

I believe you will find that the 1980 crankshaft has the huge center bearing , the same as the V-6 models.--The 78 may have the smaller bearing.---Check the part # for the center bearing.
 

Joe Reeves

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Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: 1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

I believe you will find that the 1980 crankshaft has the huge center bearing , the same as the V-6 models.--The 78 may have the smaller bearing.---Check the part # for the center bearing.

Racerone..... Good call. I checked and that is where the difference lies. Obviously the two crankshafts will not interchange due to that factor.
 

beekeeper1958

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Dec 29, 2013
Messages
2
Re: 1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

i have a 1978 evinrude 115 with bad crankshaft .i have a 1980 115 with good crank , i know that they have different part numbers . but does anyone know if it will work? the have the same size journals .pistons and rods are same. i do not see any differences in them. any help would be grateful thank you

you are right different center bearing thanks .time to look for crank
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: 1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

you are right different center bearing thanks .time to look for crank

Let me know the best price you get on one via a PM. I have one left in my remaining stock. 1978 115hp #386281--> #386689.
 

Faztbullet

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Mar 2, 2008
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15,589
Re: 1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

A reman with 1 year warranty is $355 plus shipping......
 

V153

Lieutenant Commander
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Apr 16, 2011
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1,764
Re: 1978 115 evinrude crankshaft swap

I have a '78 crank I might be willing to part with fer a lil less'n that ...
 
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