115 Johnson v4 vs Evinrude

Alpinegold

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
99
I have a 1979 115 Johnson v4 Sea Horse. Is this motor simular to a 1979 115hp Evinrude ? Also how can I make sure that the water pump is functioning properly?
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: 115 Johnson v4 vs Evinrude

The motors are virtually identical except for the colors and decals.

You can compare the parts on the BRP Parts Catalog site:

http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=e

The motor should have an overboard indicator A/K/A tell-tale among other names. A stream of water should come from the bottom of the lower cover on the starboard side of the engine whenever the engine is running. That will not tell you if the pump is working at capacity, or if the thermostats are working.
 

Theoutdoorsman

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 6, 2003
Messages
669
Re: 115 Johnson v4 vs Evinrude

Alpinegold said:
Also, how can I make sure that the water pump is functioning properly?

Definitely take the advise Ezeek has offered!!! Visually inspecting for the flow of water via the "peehole" is not enough. The installation of a water pressure guage is the most effective way to monitor the output of the water pump. Note the pressure reading of the newly installed pump and replace the pump when you begin to see a decline in pressure or, at the very least, every other year. A correctly operating pump ensures an adequate flow of water, throughout the powerhead, necessary to fill all the water jackets, thus cooling the cylinders to an even temperature. If the cylinders aren't cooled evenly, due to a weak water pump, it could result in excess carbon build-up and you certainly wouldn't be happy with the end results. Don't rely soley on the output of the peehole. Use a guage instead. And if your unsure as to the last time the thermostats were changed, it might be a good idea to replace them as well. Much less difficult, and waaaay more inexpensive, than a complete rebuild.............. ALAN
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 115 Johnson v4 vs Evinrude

if you are buying a used engine the only way to be sure, is to replace the impeller. an engine that had an impeller replaced 18 months ago and only ran 3 times, the impeller is probably dry rotted.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 115 Johnson v4 vs Evinrude

The same year and hp Evinrude will always be better than the Johnson. ;)
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
13,707
Re: 115 Johnson v4 vs Evinrude

That's true. All the engines were dyno tested as they came off the assembly line. the ones that fired right up and then put out more than the rated hp became Evinrudes and the others became Johnsons:devil:
 
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