Johnson electric/hydraulic shift vs mechanical/hydraulic shift ?

jimmoe

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
36
Hey Guys.... I've never been quite clear on this and need some schoolin' !
I'm looking at buying a "running" Johnson 85HP 85ESL75E and wondering.......
Did Johnson outboards go to mechanical cable/hydraulic shift in ALL horsepower models and years in 1973 ?
Did that solve the problems with them that I hear about and the difficult repair procedure ?
What exactly is the difference.... aren't the '73 and after still called "electric shift" ...... what is the difference in the model name terminology ?
Did ALL horsepower models and year classes then change to full mechanical shift in 1978 ?
 

bonz_d

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
5,274
Don't quote me on this but as I recall OMC ended the electric shift in 1971 then went with a hydraulic/mechanical shift until 1975 when they changed to a full mechanical shift. At least that's with the 2 cylinder 50hp models. The 3 cylinder models made the change in 1975 between the B and E models. And yes it looks like the larger engine used the hydraulic pump until 1978
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
36,044
Electric shift was last marketed in 1972 !!-------For a few years after 1972 they used the oil pump with a mechanically shifted " servo " to make shifting easier and smooth.-----The control box said " powershift II " and many folks mistakenly think that they are electric shift.
 

jimmoe

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
36
Thanks guys ! .....all good info, I have seen the "powershift" and wondered about that.
 
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