18hp or 25hp? that is the question

[tsutter]

Hola:<br /><br />I looked at an old johnson outboard possibly to purchase. The cowl is the white square Johnson cowl that says 25hp on it (looks like late 60's or early to mid-70s hood). However, when i look at the model number and serial number I find:<br /><br />Model #: FD-17 M<br />Serial #: 2331174<br /><br />So, what's the deal? The hood says 25hp, but the plate on the lower part of the motor says its a 1963 18hp motor? Am I correct in my thinking, or is it really a 25hp motor?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[DJ]

Re: 18hp or 25hp? that is the question

The hoods (cowls) of those engines were all the same, sans the HP rating.<br /><br />If you're thinking about turning an "18" into a 25-forget it. Enjoy what you have.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 18hp or 25hp? that is the question

It's a 1963 18hp....

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 18hp or 25hp? that is the question

Chances are your right. FD-17 is a '63 18hp. Since the 25hp evolved from that engine though, a 25hp cowl fits an 18hp engine. Compare the serial number on the transom plate with the one on the welsh plug on the engine block (near the head) to make sure you haven't simply got a salvaged transom/steering bracket. Also, a 25hp johnson will be almost invariably green while the earlier 18hp engines were white.<br />Hope this helps!<br /><br />EDIT: Wow, I guess I'm the slowest of the fast guns! <br /><br />EDIT 2: Ha! Maybe not! 4 responses in three minutes..

 

[what66]

Re: 18hp or 25hp? that is the question

my guess is that they put on the 25 hood but it is a 18hp.<br />they just needed a hood and it fit.<br />if the numbers on the plate say it's a 18hp<br />it most likely is good luck.

 

[tsutter]

Re: 18hp or 25hp? that is the question

Thanks all for the quick replies!<br /><br />One more wrench: Paul you mentioned the 25hp are green and the 18hp are probably white - this motor has a green midsection and lower unit.<br /><br />Also, I haven't bought it yet. Apparently it runs real well (which is good). The guy wants $100 for it, which doesn't sound bad either.<br /><br />I'll probably have to check the welch plug for confirmation.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 18hp or 25hp? that is the question

A 1963 18hp midsection, lower unit and engine block is grey/white. They didn't go go to green until I think '68. Back in the early 50s they used kind of a seafoam green, but I think that was gone before the 18hp engines came out anyway.