Long shaft 59 50 hp Johnson conversion

[larryejoh]

Does anyone know if a 59 50 hp driveshaft has an extension on it or do I need a short driveshaft to convert it to a short shaft? Also can a long shifter rod be modified? I read somewhere that the water tube can be cut 5 inches and be used.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Long shaft 59 50 hp Johnson conversion

The drive shaft is one piece. If you have a 20" and want to make it a 15", you will need a new drive shaft, shift rod and I would replace the water tube (I mean it's only 50 years old).

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Long shaft 59 50 hp Johnson conversion

Does anyone know if a 59 50 hp driveshaft has an extension on it or do I need a short driveshaft to convert it to a short shaft? Also can a long shifter rod be modified? I read somewhere that the water tube can be cut 5 inches and be used.

You will need a new shaft. no doubt about that at all.

tube can be cut, and there should be an extension for the shift rod. 99% of the time there is. I have seen only one motor than had a longer shift rod.

 

[F_R]

Re: Long shaft 59 50 hp Johnson conversion

You will need a new shaft. no doubt about that at all.

tube can be cut, and there should be an extension for the shift rod. 99% of the time there is. I have seen only one motor than had a longer shift rod.

It really depends on whether the motor came from the factory as a long or short shaft. Factory long shaft motors had 5" longer water tubes, and 5" longer lower shift rod with a standard connector.

However, if it is a motor that came from the factory as a short shaft and has had an extension kit installed, it will have 5" extensions on the water tubes and a 5" longer shift rod connector.

How to tell if it is a factory long or factory short??? Factory long shaft motors have an "L" in the model number. Don't be deceived by a "S" in the model number---that means electric start.