1974 Johnson Sea Horse 65 hp 'OB

[Troll183]

Hello all, I'm looking at a 1974 16' Holiday with a 65 hp motor (assume probably a 74). Is there any known issues to be on the lookout for with this motor. Add says that it runs. I have a 35 hp Johnson Sea Horse currently but have no info on the 65. Thank you very much.

 

[tphoyt]

Do a compression test if you can. Look for signs of an over heat and neglect and check the gear case oil.

 

[jimmbo]

There was no 65hp in 74. In 74 the 3 cylinder became a 70hp. 1972 and 73 were the years of the 65, and there were major differences between the 2 yrs. Mainly the Shifting, 72 would be a Hydro-Electric, while the 73 a Hydro-Mechanical

 

[F_R]

Great motors but they can't stand any overheating.
If Hydro Electric, shift switches require a mortgage on the farm if needing replacement.

 

[Troll183]

Thanks for the replies. I was worried about the electric shift and could not remember the years they were made. I will contact the owner and get the model and serial numbers.

 

[jimmbo]

The Hydro-Electric Shift was a well engineered Design, shifted lightning fast. fast enough, that 50+ yrs later, a lot of the units still in use, still have the original Clutch Dogs. Wrong Oil or Water in the Oil, would create problems.
I prefer it to the Hydro-Mechanical, as those are prone to Operators who think they should 'Ease' it into Gear.
As F_R said, the Shift Switches are pricy these days.