J - Johnson<br />120 - 120 HP<br />T - Tilt&Trim<br />L - Longshaft (fits 20" transom)<br />CE - '89<br />Year code:<br />INTRODUCES<br />1234567890<br />So EO would be '95: E=9, O=5.<br /><br />With outboards, condition is everything. Look over it for evidence of the care it's received. Check compression on all cylinders (no more than 10% difference) and examine a little bit of lower unit oil for water before buying. Ideally, you want to hear this engine start and idle, and at full throttle. But that might not be an option for you this time of year. I understand you havn't got much salt water to run in. 
