Re: Johnson 175......what year?
That color combination on the cowling is pretty faded. Hard to tell exactly, but that orange, red and grey striping first came out around 1977 and went through at least 1980. The telltale (overboard indicator) first started in 1978. The owner might be able to tell you if it has that indicator. These engines were pretty much the same through those years. The ignition systems are all electronic, but the dual power packs went through a couple of changes during that time. The choke changed from mechanical choke plates to the fuel primer solenoid pump in 1980. Of course you'll want to know what the compression is on each cylinder prior to purchase. That engine's horsepower is rated at the crankshaft. Propshaft ratings started around the 1985/86 timeframe.