Replace a Force 85hp with a Johnson 85

[crestflite165]

Recently acquired a 89 bayliner capri 17ft with a force 85hp. What do i need to switch over to the johnson? Will i need the johnson control and cables or will the force controls work? I have the johnson control but no cables. Reason for asking is the force feels doggy and i have a johnson that i know works awesome, just dont know how much i will have to change, i know ill have to figure out the wiring harness. Or should i sink time and possibly money into the force?

 

[Chris1956]

Fuel line will swap over. If the Johnny has the thru the tilt tube steering, that will swap.

Controls will probably not swap over, however, use the Johnny controls and buy cables for the Johnny. They are pretty cheap and you likely need them anyway.

Electric wiring is probably not the same. Probably no adapter kits are available. If the Johnny is 80's or newer, the function of the electronics is likely the same, so they could be adapted. You would need the two wiring diagrams. The wire colors are likely the same for both motors, so you could make an interconnection diaghram.

However, a lot of Johnny controls include a keyswitch and wiring harness. That would obviously make it easier.

 

[crestflite165]

The motor is a 78-79 johnson. Quickly measured the steering through rod and it appeared to be the same size, but will get everything accurately measured today. I just got rid of a mark twain 19' that had a rotten transom that had the johnson controls,but i snipped the cables instead of taking the time to fish them out of the boat. Are the motors roughly the same weight? Im sure the johnson is heavier as its a v-4

 

[Chris1956]

The Force is an inline 4 right? Likely the Johnny is a bit heavier, but more powerful.

 

[crestflite165]

Force is a 3 cylinder unless im blind as a bat. Only counted 3 coils too so im sure its a 3 banger.

 

[matt167]

The control cables would have not been the right length anyway coming from a 19'..

You'll find several suppliers that sell the electronic cable in a length you can use, as the big red plug was used from sometime in the 1970's to 1995 IIRC