1973 johnson 65 hp and 1977 johnson 70...are the gear cases interchangeable?

[Lrdrlker]

I nought a 1989 Wilker Spirit 4.8 with a 1973 Johnson 65 on the back. Later found out the stator is fried. Bought a replacement stator or so I thought...long story short...I found a 1977 running powerhead on kijiji for $300 and after researching found out most of the electrical is interchangeable! I was planning on just using it for parts but now I'm thinking of taking the gear case off my 65 and putting it on the 70 hp.
So...this is my question..Is the gear case on my 65 hp motor interchangeable with my 70 hp motor?
Or I can probably get the gear case off the 70 for another $200 and have the whole motor and use my 65 for parts!. What makes more sense? Cheers

 

[racerone]

The gearcase on the 73 model shifts to forward with a DOWN motion of the shift rod.--------The 1977 70 hp model shifts to forward with an UP motion of the shift rod.------Yes if you know how you can make it work.-------Without making the changes you would go into reverse when moving the control box to forward.----And no you can not use a left hand prop to compensate !----Your location ?

 

[Lrdrlker]

Thanks...I never would've figured that out! Finally received the 70 hp...it was 5 hours away...and got it running. Needs an impeller, running hot, but I think I'll just use the 65 hp for parts. I like the colours on motor so I think I'll use the engine cowl off the 65 and paint the lower end the dark mint green of the 65. Call it "The Green Ghost" , heard that somewhere and liked it! I'm in Larder Lake Ontario. Thanks for responding! Cheers

 

[racerone]

Larder lake is about an 8 hr drive for me.

 

[jimmbo]

There are differences between the 65 and the 70.