Lower unit

dgilbert

Recruit
Joined
May 15, 2004
Messages
5
I need to replace the lower unit on my 1973 Johnson, 65 hp, a friend of mine has a 50 hp Johnson, the lower units look identical. I am wondering if the lower units will inter-change?
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Lower unit

The 50hp twin cylinder lower unit will not bolt up to a 65hp triple exhaust housing...<br />- Scott
 

dgilbert

Recruit
Joined
May 15, 2004
Messages
5
Re: Lower unit

Scott, I am not changing out the exhaust housing, just the lower gear housing.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Lower unit

The 50hp twin cylinder lower unit (which belongs to your friend and you want to use)<br /><br />will not bolt up to a 65hp triple exhaust housing (which is the mid section you have)
 

new2obrepair

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 16, 2004
Messages
35
Re: Lower unit

I have 2 1973 evinrudes, a 65 and a 60. I know my 65 is an electric shift, and I plan on keeping it, the 60 I believe is not. If your interested, I'll pull it and sell it to you, say 440.00 plus shipping. let me know what you think. I can even go the private auction route on ebay if you wish, then your covered. Good luck in any case.<br /><br />Bruce
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Lower unit

1973 3 cylinder 65s were mechanical shift. 1972 65s were hydro-electric shift. 1970 and 71 60s were hydro-electric too.
 

new2obrepair

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 16, 2004
Messages
35
Re: Lower unit

There is a diff of opinion here between two people who know more than I. I was informed the 65 was only produced with the electric hydro shifter in 73. I do not know which is correct yet. but I'm lmost positive the 60 is mechanical. Bottom line is...offer still stands if it will fit. I will be putting it on ebay along with several other parts soon anyway.
 

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Lower unit

new2obrepair <br /><br />Got 2 wires coming out of the lower unit on the 60?? Does it have two cables for throttle and shift?<br /><br />BTW- Dhadley knows his stuff...
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Lower unit

In the OMC 3 cylinder line;<br />1968 & 69 were 55's and hydro-electric shift --<br />1970 & 71 were 60's and hydro-electric shift -- <br />1972's were a 65 hp and hydro-electric shift --<br />1973's were 65 hp but mechanical shift (positive neutral). Starting in 1973 all OMC outboards had positive neutral shifting. <br /><br />Note -- hydro-electric is not the same as a straight electric shift. Thats important when it comes to troubleshooting and getting the right shift switch.<br /><br />There are some 60 hp 2 and 3 cylinder motors after 73 but were all mechanical shift.<br /><br />Rick is correct -- the wires or shift rod are a dead give-a-way.
 

new2obrepair

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 16, 2004
Messages
35
Re: Lower unit

all questions are moot except for dgilbert. Fact is, O'm so busy trying to get my 15 yamaha right, that I have not taken the time to check out the 60 completely. I'd only be guessing. Book I got from library agreees with dtw. Thanks for all info.
 
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