What does those letters and numbers mean

[gm280]

Just for some info, what do the different letters and number actually mean in an outboard model number? For example I own a 1976 Johnson 40 HP outboard and the model number is 40E76R. I understand the 40 (obvious HP) and maybe even the E (electric start) and 76 (the year) portions, but what does the R stand for? And then in the exact same year and HP rating there are models like 40EL76A, 40RL76A, 40R76A and so many variations. What does those different letters and prefix letters ?A? ?R? equate too? Again I think in the 40RL76A model that the ?L? in this label is probably long shaft. Still scratching my head on the ending ?R? and ?A? prefix... If the ?R? stands for recoil start, then what does the ?A? mean?

 

[JB]

Re: What does those letters and numbers mean

In the 1970s (only) OMC used this simple code.

40=HP
E= electric start, R=rope or recoil start
L=(if present) long (20") shaft
76= year model (19XX)
A= manufacture run, of little interest except minor engineering changes.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: What does those letters and numbers mean

The letters at the end of the model # sequence are production identifications that may signify there is a minor mid-year change somewhere. They are random letters and do not signify much but are sometimes needed to find the correct parts in the book.

Your numbering identification is only good up through 1979 and after that, a new method was introduced. (pun intended)

 

[gm280]

Re: What does those letters and numbers mean

Ha thanks guys. I do see so many different nomenclatures with just the OMC products and there are so many other outboard manufactures with their own model number coded setups as well. I guess it all made sense at the time they were doing their model number/labeling sequences though...after thinking about it...maybe not! But it sure leads to confusion for the consumers... Thanks again for the help...