Lower Unit Compatability

[csdisme]

Is there a definitive guide to what lower units are interchangeable with others. I have a '83 70hp Evinrude long shaft with the 4 spline shaft (E70ELCTE) and have seen and heard a number of contradictory claims, anything from mid seventies to late eighties and hp ranging from 50 - 75. I don't know who or what to follow.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Cullen

 

[racerone]

Just 3 cylinder motors 60 / 70 HP from about 1976 to 1988 use the coarse spline.----I repeat just the 3 cylinder models use the coarse spline.

 

[csdisme]

Thanks for your reply, I found one from a 70hp with the coarse spline, but he says it's off of a '74. Is it just the spline or will there be other parts that may cause issues?

 

[racerone]

As clearly state 76 and newer.----You can adapt the 1974 unit.----If bolted on it will shift to reverse when you select forward.----Somewhat inconvenient.----You would have to change linkages on the motor.-----And before you ask no there is nothing you can do in the control box !!

 

[csdisme]

Thanks again. I did some model comparison and looked at my engine and noticed the shift linkage and throttle linkage are somewhat combined. Would going with the '74 require changing out all the linkage or just the parts specific to the shift? Does anyone know for sure which parts would be required as opposed me makining a somewhat educated guess?

Thanks again