Understanding the numbers on my boat?

[fish4lunch]

Just got a 2000 FM165S with a 50 hp Johnson. The seller swears the outboard is 4 cycle. But the manual says it's a 2 cycle. So . . . WTF? The serial number (J50PLSS) tells me make, hp, shaft length, etc, but not what I need. There's a model number (G 04770364) that I can't interpret. And there's an 'engine family' number (Y1PXM0045210) that I have no idea what it tells me. Any help for a boat newbie?

 

[dingbat]

Just got a 2000 FM165S with a 50 hp Johnson. The seller swears the outboard is 4 cycle. But the manual says it's a 2 cycle. So . . . WTF? The serial number (J50PLSS) tells me make, hp, shaft length, etc, but not what I need. There's a model number (G 04770364) that I can't interpret. And there's an 'engine family' number (Y1PXM0045210) that I have no idea what it tells me. Any help for a boat newbie?

Your model and serial numbers backwards

J50PLSS is the model number.
The G number is the serial number

One source says the 1998-2000 models were all 4 strokes. Others say 2 stokes

 

[Crosbyman]

with a VRO oil pump....2 stroke with automatic oiling

 

[racerone]

This motor is a 2 stroke.----I can't believe that some folks cannot tell the difference.----Install a new water pump impeller.----Determine if oil injection is in service and working correctly.----Post compression test values here.

 

[Nordin]

Pull off the hood and check if there is a cam shaft belt from flywheel to the head. There should be a cover over the belt.
If no belt for the cam shaft (cover) it is a 2 stroke, if a cam shaft belt (cover) it is a 4 stroke.
Look at the power head and you should easily determind if it is a 2 stroke or 4 stroke.
Big differents in how the power head looks like.

 

[Scott Danforth]

if you cant tell the difference between a 2-stroke and 4-stroke. you are destined to pay someone who is honest to work on it for you.

 

[racerone]

The model # indicates a 2 stroke !!

 

[fish4lunch]

OK . . . my brother-in-law said to look for a dipstick. "If there's a dip stick, it's 4 stroke" Gonna go look

 

[Crosbyman]

thisis how it all started...

https://wrcoutboards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Johnson_Know_Your_Outboard_r.pdf

 

[racerone]

The model # says it is a 2 stroke.----Look for an oil tank inside the boat.

 

[racerone]

If it was a SUZUKI built 4 stroke there is no timing belt at the top !!----They used a timing chain under the engine block.

 

[Vic.S]

Your model and serial numbers backwards

J50PLSS is the model number.
The G number is the serial number

One source says the 1998-2000 models were all 4 strokes. Others say 2 stokes

It appears that in year 2000 there were several 50hp Johnson models, all 2 strokes, and one Evinrude model which was a 4 stroke and in fact a rebadged Suzuki.

The Evinrude model number was E50PL4SSC, Guess what the "4" in the middle of the number signified.

If you have the model number you don't have to go hunting for dipsticks, oil tanks, VRO pumps, valves, camshafts cam belts etc etc. The number tells all.

 

[Crosbyman]

Johnson model listed above from OP does not have a 4
(4 stroke) in the mdl..so that would make it a 2 stroke no ??


EVINRUDE 50Hp seems to have produces a E50PL4SSC 50 hp

 

[fish4lunch]

It's official!!! 2 STROKE! There's a gallon of 2 stroke oil in one of the bins and a smaller fuel tank with 2 stroke oil in it!. Thanks all

 

[racerone]

No surprise to me.----Do a test on the VRO unit.-----Install a new water pump impeller now.