Dating Your Johnson Boat Engine: A Guide

Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by the Johnson brothers: Louis, Harry, Julius, and Clarence. The company was first known as the Johnson Brothers Motor Company of Terre Haute, Indiana, United States. Johnson has changed how they indicate the year in the model number several times. To determine the year of your Johnson boat engine, you will need to refer to different charts depending on when your motor was made. For instance, engines made from 1980 onwards use a two-letter code at the end of the model number. If your engine was made between 1969 and 1979, the actual year is found in the model number, not the serial number.

Johnson Outboards History

Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by brothers Louis, Harry, Julius, and Clarence Johnson. The original company, Johnson Brothers Motor Company, was based in Terre Haute, Indiana, and started building inboard 2-cycle marine engines in 1903. By 1908, they were making V4, V6, V8, and V12 aircraft and marine engines. In 1910, they built the first U.S. monoplane to showcase their aircraft engines.

In 1922, the company designed and built Johnson Outboard Motors, a radical new, lightweight outboard made largely of aluminum. By the mid-1920s, they had surpassed Evinrude in sales and dominated the outboard racing scene. In 1928, the brothers bought the Birmingham Automotive Company site in Peterborough, Ontario, and established the Canadian Johnson Motor Company Ltd. However, in 1931, an over-ambitious marketing programme caused the American company to go bankrupt.

The company was first acquired by Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) in 1935. OMC was a maker of Evinrude, Johnson, and Gale Outboard Motors, as well as many different brands of boats. It was a multibillion-dollar Fortune 500 corporation. Johnson and Evinrude became part of OMC, which was the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of outboard motors and the second-largest producer of powerboats.

In 2000, OMC declared bankruptcy due to financial troubles and was acquired by Bombardier Recreational Products in 2001. Bombardier stopped selling outboards under the Johnson brand after 2007 and moved all sales to Evinrude Outboard Motors until they were discontinued in June 2020. Bombardier continues to support existing Johnson outboard motors through servicing and parts.

Johnson Model Number Codes

Johnson Outboard Motor Model Number Codes:

Johnson has changed how they indicate the year in their model numbers several times. Here's how to determine the year of a Johnson outboard motor based on the model number:

• 1980-Present: Johnson outboards from 1980 onwards use a two-letter code at the end of the model number. For example, 'CE' at the end of 100STLCE indicates that the engine is from 1989.
• 1969-1979: The actual year is found within the model number, not the serial number. For instance, 150TXL78 is a 150hp engine from 1978.
• Pre-1969: For engines before 1969, there is no consistent model number code. Refer to the Johnson 1960-1979 serial number year chart to determine the year.

Evinrude Outboard Motor Model Number Codes:

Evinrude, which is often associated with Johnson outboard motors, has also changed how they indicate the year in their model numbers. Here's how to determine the year of an Evinrude outboard motor based on the model number:

• 1980-Present: Similar to Johnson, Evinrude engines since 1980 use a two-letter code at the end of the model number. For example, 'ED' at the end of VE70TLED indicates that the engine is from 1996.
• Pre-1980: For engines before 1980, refer to the Evinrude 1950-1979 serial number year chart to determine the year.

Johnson Engine Serial Number Year Match-up

Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by the four brothers Louis, Harry, Julius, and Clarence Johnson. Johnson has changed how they indicate the year in the model number several times. Depending on the year range your motor falls into, you will find your Johnson engine year information differently.

Your serial number or model number can be found on the engine's mid-section. Often this plate is also marked with the engine's year.

1980-Present

Engines since 1980 use a two-letter code at the end of the model number. For example, the 'CE' at the end of 100STLCE indicates that the engine is from '89'. If you are still unsure of your engine year, search for your model number on the Johnson 1980-later serial number year chart.

1969-1979

The actual year is found in the model number, not the serial number. For example, 150TXL78 is a 150hp engine from 1978. 65ESLR72 would be from 1972.

Pre-1969

For engines prior to 1969, refer to the Johnson 1960-1979 serial number year chart.

Commercial

If you have a commercial model, refer to the Johnson commercial serial number year chart.

Johnson Outboards Parts and Servicing

Johnson Outboards was an American manufacturer of outboard motors founded by the four brothers Louis, Harry, Julius and Clarence Johnson. Johnson Outboards revolutionised the American outboard motor, holding over 200 patents.

Parts

Bombardier Recreational Products, which has owned Johnson Outboards since 2001, continues to sell parts for Johnson outboard motors. However, it seems that parts for older models may be harder to come by.

Servicing

Bombardier also supports existing Johnson outboard motors through servicing.

Determining the Year of Your Johnson Outboard Motor

The year of your Johnson outboard motor can be determined by consulting the model number and serial number. These can be found on the nameplate located on the motor or the mounting bracket. The nameplate should also contain the engine's year.

Pre-1969

For engines prior to 1969, refer to the Johnson 1960-1979 serial number year chart.

1969-1979

For engines from 1969-1979, the actual year is found in the model number, not the serial number. For example, 150TXL78 is a 150hp engine from 1978. 65ESLR72 would be from 1972.

1980-Present

For engines from 1980 onwards, the year is indicated by a two-letter code at the end of the model number. For example, the 'CE' at the end of 100STLCE indicates that the engine is from '89'. If you are still unsure of the engine year, you can search for your model number on the Johnson 1980-later serial number year chart.

Johnson Brothers Patents

Johnson & Johnson is a company with a rich history of innovation, as evidenced by the multitude of patents assigned to them. Their patents span a wide range of fields, from medical devices and procedures to consumer products and even surgical vision technology. Here is an overview of some notable Johnson & Johnson patents:

Medical Devices and Procedures:

• Robotic Movement for Vision Care Surgery: This patent involves a robotic arm coupled with an eye surgery tool that mimics the movements of a physician performing a model eye surgery on an oversized model eye.
• Liquid Dispensing Apparatus: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has patented a liquid dispensing apparatus with a unique design that includes a collar, an actuator, and a biasing element, allowing for controlled dispensing of materials from a container.
• Evaluation of Phacoemulsification Devices: The company has developed a phacoemulsification simulation apparatus to measure the performance of phacoemulsifiers, which are devices used in eye surgery to remove cataracts.
• Intraocular Lens Insertion System: This patent is for a system that delivers intraocular lenses into a patient's eye with precision and ease, improving the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
• Amino Acid-Based Polymerizable Compounds: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. has patented amino acid-based polymerizable compounds that have applications in ophthalmic devices, showcasing their commitment to innovation in eye care.

Consumer Products:

• Adhesive Bandage with Decorated Pad: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has designed and patented an adhesive bandage with a decorated pad, adding a touch of creativity to their line of first aid products.
• Cleansing Compositions: They have also developed sulfate-free cleansing compositions that are thick, clear, and mild on the skin and eyes, offering a gentle yet effective alternative to traditional cleansers.
• Soft Chewable Dosage Form: This patent is for a soft chewable dosage form that encapsulates an active pharmaceutical ingredient within a lipid material, providing a novel approach to drug delivery.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of patents held by Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries. The company continues to innovate and develop new technologies that improve the lives of people around the world.

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