Evinrude or Johnson ??

[Teacher48]

I was helping a friend clean up a piece of property he recently purchased. Behind a shed out side was Johnson 135 low profile. I took it home for a good project. Worked on it for a bit and found ID plate on mounting frame. The ID says it’s an Evinrude 1974 115, but the cover says Johnson 135 low profile power shift. The mounting frame color appears be be just a slightly different color than the lower housing but not enough to be sure. I actually got if running with lower unit off, compression is between 125 and 130 in all 4. Just hoping to sell it if everything works ok this summer. Not that it is really going to make a big difference but is there a way I tell what engine I have.

 

[racerone]

Only difference between the 2 motors is paint color and cosmetics / decals.----The Johnson would have been a greenish color.----Posting pictures of powerhead might help

 

[F_R]

Look for a round disk plug on top of the port-side cylinder bank. It will have the serial number stamped on it.

 

[Teacher48]

Thanks for both reply’s. When I get a few moments I will take a few pics and look for serial #. Great help.

 

[Teacher48]

So here are a few picks. I did not see a serial # but it could be under the coils holder which I did not remove.

 

[racerone]

I am not sure if I would let / allow a motor like that to be put in the back of my truck.----Even if it was free.----Looks like lots of broken / replaced bolts on the water cover already.----Salt water junk I say.

 

[Crosbyman]

Amazing that an oldy from the 50s can look pampered or mint condition
run like a top and simply be piece of manufacturing history yet a somewaht more modern engine can look like an abused oldy ready for the junk yard :-( :-( .

 

[boobie]

According to your pics it's a 1993 115 hp.

 

[ct1762@gmail.com]

According to your pics it's a 1993 115 hp.

that is NOT a 1993 motor !

 

[boobie]

Then what is it according to that serial # ??

 

[racerone]

Really-------That model # has a 4 after the 115 and that means 1974.-------The 93 has absolutely nothing to do with the year.------Those wee metal tags were not used in 1993 either.

 

[Crosbyman]

Antique and Classic Outboard Motor Paint & Decals (nymarine.ca)

 

[F_R]

According to the tag, that is a 1974 Evinrude 115hp. And the pictures would seem to agree.

The serial number J0005768 is an Evinrude serial number, and in those years does not indicate the year because unlike Johnson, Evinrude started over with serial numbers every year.

BTW, the "J" preceding the serial number indicates it was built in the Johnson factory. Yes, at that time Johnson built the large motors, and Evinrude built the small motors with an "E" preceding the serial number. BUT---the smallest motors, like 3hp, were built in Belgium with a "B" preceding the serial number.

I say you have an Evinrude with a Johnson hood swap.

 

[Teacher48]

Evinrude with Johnson hood swap is definitely the easiest solution. But is there any other way to be sure. Paint color, water jacket shape, some other strange difference other than piston size that anybody knows of. I agree the motor looks a mess but turn the key and it fires right up, runs smooth, shifts easy. Don’t know how but it does. Seems a shame to junk it. Definitely needs some TLC but don’t we all.

 

[racerone]

Same parts all over the motors , with different color paint and cosmetics on the cowling.----Something to do with MARKETING as it was in the 1950's ---1960's ---1970's-----Not the same as it is today !!

 

[F_R]

The paint is so faded and flaking off, with the greenish primer shining through, that it's really hard to say absolutely. But if you really want to know, look for that serial number plug on the powerhead. By all that is right and holy, it should agree with the data plate you posted.

Here's the factory brochure page for a1974.

 

[F_R]

WHOA!!! That is not a 1974 115hp, Johnson OR Evinrude. The 115 did not have a bubble-back exhaust cover.

We are again right back to where we were. Look for the plug on the powerhead. Danged if I can see it from here.

 

[Teacher48]

Thanks for everyones input. I guess I’m going to have to look for that #. I’m assuming it’s under the flat bar that holds the coils. Problems is I’m in upstate N.Y. with cold temperatures and just had shoulder surgery. But I’ll start up the wood stove in the garage as soon as my shoulder tells me I can. Definitely would like to know at this point. I’ll get back.

 

[Teacher48]

Not to beat a dead horse here but one more thing I thought about. When I removed the lower unit to check out the water pump I found it had 2 water hoses going to the top end. When I went to look up it’s water pump they all seemed to have just one. After a search I did find one that I think will work but don’t think I need it. ( the impeller and housings seem good for now). 2 questions . Is this 2 pipe system standard on these engines and why 2?

 

[racerone]

Yes that is the way they were.----Should be easy to find the correct parts with help of your friendly boat shop !----You need this 2 tube set-up.----Easy to find.