1969 -72 Johnson 60hp Long Shaft vs. Short Shaft

[rgballard]

Quick question about a 1970ish Johnson 60hp. Can you get parts to convert these from short shaft to long shaft?

I have a '56 Johnson and I was able to get an extension piece, drive shaft, and various other pieces to make it a long shaft. Can this be done on these later model outboards too? I have been scouring parts manuals and the forums here and I can't make heads or tails of it.

Thanks.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1969 -72 Johnson 60hp Long Shaft vs. Short Shaft

The only way to convert to a long shaft is to start with a long shaft parts motor. There was no 5-inch kit made for the 3-cylinder models, at least that I've ever seen or been aware of. The main parts would be the long exhaust housing, long exhaust tuner, long water tube, and long driveshaft. Might be able to add 5-inches to the shift wires if needed.

The 3-cylinder models are MUCH more common than the short shaft models, so finding one shouldn't be a huge issue. Also, your short shaft parts have some value to them for the vintage crowd, as many of the older boats have short transoms and finding short shaft, bigger horsepower motors isn't easy...

 

[rgballard]

Re: 1969 -72 Johnson 60hp Long Shaft vs. Short Shaft

Thanks Chinewalker.

Just went and looked at the motor today. The model # is 60esl70D, so looks like it is a long shaft, but it has a different color lower unit on it, so it may be a Frankenstein motor . I just want to be sure what the tell tale signs are that it is a long shaft. Also as a side note it is 22 inches from transom top to cavitation plate.

I take from what you are saying Chinewalker that the extra 5 inches is in the exhaust housing and not the lower unit?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1969 -72 Johnson 60hp Long Shaft vs. Short Shaft

That is more or less correct.