looking at a 1981 175hp Johnson

[Gary H NC]

Thinking about buying the boat with this engine.It needs a new lower gear case by the looks of it.It set in the water 2 years and is extremely corroded and leaks gear oil. The seller states it still runs on the muffs and shifts ok.
My question is what year lowers will work on this engine and is this one with the electric shift? Just trying to get an idea of what it will cost to replace it..
Thanks in advance...

 

[Marc III]

Re: looking at a 1981 175hp Johnson

No, it's not electric shift. Any V6 gearcase (of the same length) from the 1980's would interchange. 1978 to 1992 or so if I remember correctly. I hope it's cheap and you can source a parts engine. The midsection may be just as bad internally assuming this is a saltwater engine. I saw a guy cut a clogged midsection in half to save a mid 80's 200hp powerhead.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: looking at a 1981 175hp Johnson

Thanks Marc,
It was a freshwater engine.The boat hung on a lift but the lower was still in the water about a foot or so.About 4 or 5 inches of the mid section looks corroded to but i'm hoping i can save it..
The boat is cheap enough to make the repairs very worthwhile as long as i don't have to replace the whole engine.
It runs and shifts so i hope thats a good sign..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: looking at a 1981 175hp Johnson

gary, look at ebay, ebay motors,boatparts, johnson lower there are quiet a few available. some are pricey. some reasonable. i still think i'd try to clen it up. your going to have to drop it anyway for and impellar