1972 vs 1974 50HP - Why two different manuals?

[fnracing]

I have two engines, Model 50ESL72C (1972) running motor and a 50ES74N (1974) parts motor. Other than the '72 being a long shaft they look exactly alike. When I tried to download a manual for them, I find that the date ranges are xx-72, and then 73-89. Will I really need the two different manuals? My boat needs the short shaft, so I was going to transplant the power head from the long shaft to the short shaft drive. Any thoughts? Thanks...

 

[racerone]

Re: 1972 vs 1974 50HP - Why two different manuals?

The 1972 model has electric shift and a yellow plug on the wiring harness.---The 1974 is hydraulic / mechanical shift and a red plug on the harnees.---They may not be a direct interchange !

 

[fnracing]

Re: 1972 vs 1974 50HP - Why two different manuals?

Wow, never thought of that. I only did a cursory look. Thanks for the info, I will dig deeper into it now.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 1972 vs 1974 50HP - Why two different manuals?

When you look them over more carefully you will see there are several small but important differences