Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

[sslavko]

Hi, I have bought old boat with Johnson 2-stroke, 3 cylinders engine. I've been told that this is 1973 65 hp engine, and it does look like that but there are no model/serial numbers and it's only got that round silver tag on top, next to flywheel with engraved number A0100701. That doesn't fit to any Johnson model number pattern. Looks like I have to rebuild lower unit because it doesn't switch to reverse and there is water in oil but I'm not sure what model to buy parts for. Shifting is either electric or hydro-electric, there is no mechanical shift rod from power head. I have attached few photos here in hope that someone will recognize it.
Thank you very much.

 

[mark1961]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

OMC abandoned electric shift in '73 so its definitely not from that year.....if it is 65hp its either from '71- 65ESL71 or '72- 65ESL72.....minus the "L" if yours is a shortshaft.....the other number you quoted is most likely the serial number.....

 

[86 century]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

Change the fluid in the lower unit first.
It takes type c not 80-90 most.
The electric shift default to forward.
There are two wires below the bottom carb with disconects in them(blue and green I belive) in forward there will be no power to either one.

You need to get it running and check for volage on these two wires with the shifter in neutral and reverse.

In neutral one will have power.
In reverse both will have power.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

Its a hydroelectric model, so you need to figure out what is wrong with the reverse, before you spend money on this motor.

The 71 model is a 60 hp engine, not a 65. If it is indeed a 65hp, it has to be a 1972. The redish/orange paint indicates that it is a "Stinger" model, which really doesn't mean anything in a practical sense - it just means that it has the bright paint job and the original hood "configuration" would have included a "Stinger" decal.

Look on the transom bracket on the port side. There may be a data plate. If so and it is a 72 65hp, it should say 65ES72S or 65ESL72S.

 

[mark1961]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

The 71 model is a 60 hp engine, not a 65. If it is indeed a 65hp, it has to be a 1972. There may be a data plate. If so and it is a 72 65hp, it should say 65ES72S or 65ESL72S.

Thanks for clarifying that jay.....i should go and learn to read. :facepalm:

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

Judging from the third pic I'd look into the rewiring job. That red wire looks like one of the solenoid's wires (it's in the right place, anyway). If after replacing the lower unit lube with type C the lower unit still does not function properly look into that rewire job! There's plenty of documentation on this site about troubleshooting the solenoids by way of measuring the ohms but I'd check the continuity of the rewire job. If they've been pulled hard enough to be replaced, and that's what I'm leaning towards, it's likely they're damaged elsewhere too.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

One thing I just realized, after reading the post about wiring, is that your power pack has no cover on it. It should. If you don't have the original cover, you can fashion one out of plexiglass. Be aware that the #7 terminal (top right) has no wire going to it, so there is no seal there, unless you get the small rubber plug that goes in that position.

 

[sslavko]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

Thank you guys a lot. I knew I can count on this forum for help and useful information. I'll change lube first and check wiring before I drop the lower unit. Looks like that was really good engine back in 70's and it still works well for that age.
I'll keep you informed about progress.
Cheers

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

If you drop the gear box, don't forget that it has the shift wires attached to it. Don't let it fall as you unbolt it, because you will damage the wires if you do. That's a very bad thing, because the wiring harness in the midsection is no longer available.

 

[Freddyb18]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

sslavko, I have recently purchased a 1972 50 hp Johnson and gotten a 1970 60 hp for free. (plan to use as a parts motor where I can) Both are hydra-electric shift, and my '70 60hp looks very similar to yours. (however, not the exact same) Hopefully the tag on the transom mount is legible for you. This site has been EXTREMELY HELPFUL for me, and for any progress I have made, the credit goes to these guys.

My 50hp will shift into reverse, but does not quite do its job. With my very limited exposure to working on boat motors, I have to say that I fear that it may be pretty consistent with the hydra-electric shift models.

I have learned in my experience that the two wires that lead to your shift solenoids in the lower unit should read:
12v "green" - neutral (my wires do not look green or blue on either engine)
12v both ("blue" and "green") - reverse
default (no current to either) - forward

I would test that before dropping the lower unit. It is not too fun putting it back on. However, a new impeller is always a good thing for your engine and it is located in the lower unit.

This link has also been very helpful to me in my struggles (especially if you have not purchased a manual). I also got it from this site.

http://www.evinrudeonlineparts.com/pages/oemparts?aribrand=EJP

Hope this helps any at all... Have fun!

 

[sslavko]

Re: Johnson 1972/73 65 hp?

Well, good and bad news. Good news is that I found motor label. It was on port side but painted over so no wonder couldn't find it. Engine model is 65ESLR72S. Another good news is that problem with gear shifting was bad oil. I have changed it with the Johnson Premium Blend oil and it started shifting perfectly.
Now comes bad news. I took it in water today and after quick run something broke, and engine stoped. I couldn't even crank it again. So I pulled it out and discovered a hole in lower unit. Something has punched it from inside and blocked the engine although the prop is rotating freely.Now that looks really bad.