If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

[ebry710]

I need a pre-2000 70 or 75 hp outboard engine for my light 15' 1974 Marlin. Reliability and serviceability is the key. What year, make and model would you choose?

I understand from a previous forums two things:
1) Some of you guys have an arsenal of outboards
2) Etec engines didn't exist

 

[JB]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

No question, ebry.

A JohnnyRude triple 70. One of the great engines.

 

[ebry710]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

No question, ebry.

A JohnnyRude triple 70. One of the great engines.

Being that I am not the historian I did google that name and came up with this definition. Is this what you are taking about? (probably sounds right considering the author)

"JohnnyRude" 70
The OMC triple loopers, first introduced as a 55hp in the late 60s, were years ahead of the industry in technology and engineering. The 70hp versions were most popular and variations were made up until very recently. It wouldn't be unreasonable to call that a 50 year run. Not common for a mid range engine.

 

[jtexas]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

I love my johnnyrude triple 70, going on 30 years..............

 

[ebry710]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

No question, ebry.

A JohnnyRude triple 70. One of the great engines.

JB both the Johnson and the Evinrude are built by OMC. Are they the same 70hp engine? and the reason you call it a JohnnyRude is that it is a Johnson/Evinrude?

Just starting to think?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

yep the are the same, they are one of the most powerful motors for there weight, economical on gas. when properly maintained, they are extremely reliable.

 

[ebry710]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

Are all 1972-1997 Johnnyrudes 70 the same or are there little difference between them that make one better then another? I used those dates because iboats sells the same carb rebuild kits for those dates.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

72 is hydro-electric shift (avoid) 73-77 is hydro-mechanical shift (ok) 78 up are mechanical shift ( best).

 

[JB]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

I suppose it would be technically more correct to call them OMC triple loopers, ebry. I just like the sound of "JohnnyRude" to describe engines that may be in either livery.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

I've got a 1980 Johnson 75 with hundreds of hours on a 1994 rebuild. Absolutely love the motor and I can concur with all the above positive remarks. The only issue I've had with it is I had to replace the powerpack about 6 years ago. Took all of three minutes to do...
- Scott

 

[BillP]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

I agree 100%...70hp omc.

bp

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

No question, ebry.

A JohnnyRude triple 70. One of the great engines.

Ditto.....

 

[ebry710]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

I've got a 1980 Johnson 75 with hundreds of hours on a 1994 rebuild. Absolutely love the motor and I can concur with all the above positive remarks. The only issue I've had with it is I had to replace the powerpack about 6 years ago. Took all of three minutes to do...
- Scott

I am still learning, when did the make the 75 or was that the difference between the Johnson (75) and the Evinrude (70) the difference in 5 H?.

 

[JB]

Re: If you had to buy an old 70/75 hp outboard

The 75s were slightly "tuned" 70s, ebry. Don't remember what years they were made, but the real world difference was "bragging rights" more than actual performance on a given boat.

Also, I think the 75s were all made before the change to prop rating the HP in the mid-80s. After the change, the 70s were the same actual output as the pre-change 75s.