Lower unit swap?

[philj]

Hello gentlemen,

I would like to know if I can replace an Evinrude 1966 6hp lower unit by one from a 1959 Johnson 5.5hp I have?

Thanks for your answers…

[frankr]

I suppose you can if you use the complete unit. But there are significant differences. The ’66 has a shift rod disconnect, ’59 does not. So you will have to pull the powerhead to install it on the ’66. Also, ’66 does not have a shock absorber in the lower unit, and has a different prop shaft requiring a different prop.

[philj]

Well that’s real good information, thank you!!!

Today I found the same 6hp I bought for 75.00 CDN, this time it’s a Johnson 6R71E which I suppose is a 1971 model… But why is there a "E" at the end??? And this time would it be identical for swapping gearcase and lower unit?

Thanks in advance…

[frankr]

Without pouring over the parts books, I believe it will be a direct swap. The E at the end denotes any mid-year engineering changes that were made—IF there were any changes. If no changes, it means nothing.

[philj]

Many thanks, FrankR !

[edgartc]

I put a 68 6hp LU on a 63 5.5hp, just had to change the shift rod, works fine.

[philj]

Thank you everyone!!!

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