88 Special

[bussro]

Hello to all. My first post on a great site.
I just recently bought a 1987 Johnson 88 Special.
S/N J88MSLCUS. Someone has added PTT to it.
One quetion I have is what's "special" about it?
The second question. In the serial number, what does the first "S" stand for (Special)?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: 88 Special

Special means its a stripped down bare bones 90hp engine.

NO oil injection (must mix your own 50:1 ratio gasil), weaker 12v charging coil (6 amps instead of 10amps), ususally no power tilt and trim but it was optional, and no sender for a trim gauge if it did come with PTT.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 88 Special

J=johnson
88=88 horsepower
MS=manual tilt/electric start
L=20 inch shaft
CU=87 model year
S=production run indicator

 

[KYHunter2]

Re: 88 Special

jtexas, Like your new signature, quite a series of events !!! EH ! LOL

KYHunter d

 

[bussro]

Re: 88 Special

Thanks for the replies. It seems to be a pretty solid old motor. I bought it cheap, then had the fuel and cooling systems gone thru. Glad someone added the PTT.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 88 Special

"old motor"? it's barely broke in good!

Always use champion spark plugs.
87 octane gasoline with 50:1 mix of TCW-3 certified oil.
Change your water pump impeller every couple years.
Change your lower unit oil once a year, preferably before the first freeze so if you got any water intrusion it won't crack open the gearcase.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 88 Special

i've got an '88 on a 17' aluminum center console, wot 45mph, 3/4 throttle cruising 39mph. very economical at 3/4 throttle, mine also had ptt.

 

[bussro]

Re: 88 Special

Again, thanks for the replies.
Yeah, I said old, but with proper care and a little luck it it may outlast me.
I've been using what I consider good 87 octane gas (Sunoco) and Quicksilver oil at a 50:1 mix. The plugs are Champion L77JC4.
Good advice on the lower unit oil, with the winter temps we usually get here.
It's on a 20 ft. johnboat and will do about 40 mph, by a hand-held gps. Plenty fast for me.