Locations

The model number on Johnson outboards can usually be found on an identification tag, which typically located on the engine’s transom mounting bracket or swivel bracket. Older engines may have a metal plate, while newer ones will use a sticker.

Model and serial numbers are located on the swivel bracket and on the powerhead

 

If your identification tag is worn or damaged, you can also check the powerhead freeze plug for the serial number. Though the serial number itself may not be very useful for personal identification, an authorized dealer can use it to retrieve your engine’s model number.

Meaning

For outboard motors built from 1980 onward, the model number provides key details about the year of production and the motor’s specific features. However, for motors made before 1980, the coding may not always follow a standard pattern.

Explore the sections below for more information (click the links to jump to sections of the page, and use the right-side link to return to the top):

Decoding the Model Number:

• For motors built from 1980 to 1998

• For motors built from 1999-2001

• For motors built from 2002 to 2005

• For motors built from 2005 and Up

• Model number chart for motors built prior to 1979

• Official Model Number Reference Guide PDF from BRP

Model Years 1980-1998

Taking the example of VE70TLEDA:

1. Model Variation

   The first letter(s) of the model number can indicate a variation in the engine, usually related to the country of manufacture or special use:

   • A = Australia
   • B = Belgium
   • C = Canada
   • H = Hong Kong
   • S = South America
   • T = Tracker Model
   • V = Boat Builder

   These letters are important because they show where or for whom the engine was designed. If there’s no variation letter, it could indicate a standard model without special modifications for a specific market or purpose.

2. Style

   The next letter after the variation (or the first letter if there is no variation) represents the brand or style of the engine:

   • J = Johnson
   • E = Evinrude
   • V = Quiet Rider® (a less common outboard motor by OMC, often used in commercial applications)
   • Blank = Commercial (if there’s no letter, the motor is likely a commercial variant).

   This is critical for distinguishing between Johnson and Evinrude motors as well as commercial or specialty models.

3. Horsepower

   Following the brand/style letter is the horsepower rating, represented by two or three numbers (e.g., 70). This number indicates the engine’s horsepower, which is a vital part of identifying the correct parts and manuals for your engine.

4. Design Features

   After the horsepower, the next section contains one or two letters representing specific design features. These can include options for starting style, trim, tilt mechanisms, and even paint color. The diagram provides many examples of design features:

   • AE = Alaska, Electric Start
   • AR = Alaska, Rope Start
   • E = Electric Start
   • P = Power Steering
   • T = Trim and Tilt - Electric Start
   • C = Counter Rotation
   • R = Rope Start
   • F = FICHT fuel injection (a technology used by Evinrude for fuel-efficient engines)
   • B = Blue Paint (indicating a specific color variant for the engine)

   These designations are essential for understanding the exact features your engine has, especially when ordering parts or troubleshooting specific functions.

5. Shaft Length

   Next, a letter will indicate the length of the lower unit’s vertical shaft, which determines how well the engine fits different boats’ transoms:

   • Blank = 15 inches (Standard)
   • L = 20 inches (Long)
   • Y = 22.5 inches (Special)
   • X = 25 inches (Extra Long)
   • Z = 30 inches (XX-Long)

   Shaft length is important because it needs to match the boat’s transom height to ensure the motor operates efficiently.

6. Model Year

   The model year is represented by two letters, which can be decoded using the word “INTRODUCES.” Each letter corresponds to a number from 1 to 0:

   • I = 1
   • N = 2
   • T = 3
   • R = 4
   • O = 5
   • D = 6
   • U = 7
   • C = 8
   • E = 9
   • S = 0

   For example, “ED” would represent the year 1996 (E = 9, D = 6).

7. Model Run or Suffix

   If there is any additional letter after the year code, it represents a specific model run or suffix. This part of the model number identifies slight variations in engines produced in the same year. The exact meaning of the suffix can vary by year and model, but it’s generally used to track changes or updates to the same basic engine model.

Read the Full Model Number

VE70TLEDA:

• V = Boat Builder (a variation of the motor designed specifically for a boat manufacturer).
• E = Evinrude (the brand).
• 70 = 70 horsepower.
• T = Trim and Tilt, Electric Start.
• L = 20-inch shaft length (Long).
• ED = 1996 model year.
• A (if present) would represent a specific model run or suffix.

Model Years 1999-2001

1. Style (Brand Identification)

   The first letter in the model number identifies the brand of the outboard motor.

   • J = Johnson
   • E = Evinrude

   In the example, E indicates that the motor is an Evinrude engine. If it were J, it would represent a Johnson outboard motor. This is the very first piece of critical information that helps to distinguish between the two brands.

2. Horsepower

   The numbers following the brand letter indicate the horsepower (HP) of the engine. This value is crucial for determining the engine’s power and performance level.

   In the example, 70 means the engine has 70 horsepower. This is straightforward and one of the most important identifiers when it comes to purchasing the correct parts or manuals for the engine.

3. Design Features

   The next section (usually one or two letters) provides information about specific design features. These letters tell you about the engine’s start type, steering options, and other functional elements.

   The example has P, which indicates Power Trim and Tilt. Here are other possible design features from the chart:

   • C = Counter Rotation
   • E = Electric Start with Remote Steering
   • F = FICHT Fuel Injection (a technology for better fuel efficiency)
   • J = Jet Drive
   • R = Rope Start with Tiller Steering
   • T = Tiller Steering
   • W = Commercial Model

   These letters provide further clarification of the engine’s functional setup, especially when determining if the engine has electric start, manual start, or additional capabilities like power steering.

4. Shaft Length

   The next letter refers to the shaft length, which is important for fitting the motor to boats with different transom heights. Different boat designs require varying shaft lengths for the engine to perform optimally.

   • Blank = 15 inches (Standard)
   • L = 20 inches (Long)
   • Y = 22.5 inches (Special)
   • X = 25 inches (X-Long)
   • Z = 30 inches (XX-Long)

   In the example, L indicates that the shaft length is 20 inches, which is the long configuration. This is vital when selecting an outboard motor to ensure the shaft length matches the boat’s transom height.

5. Cylinders/Stroke Type

   The number following the shaft length provides information about the cylinder configuration or stroke type of the engine. This detail tells you about the engine’s internal combustion characteristics:

   • 3 = 3-Cylinder (25/35 HP models)
   • 4 = Four-Stroke Engine

   In this case, 4 signifies that the motor is a four-stroke engine, which is a key feature for identifying the engine’s performance and efficiency.

6. Model Year

   The next two letters in the model number correspond to the year of manufacture. Johnson and Evinrude use a system where the letters in “INTRODUCES” represent numbers from 1 to 0:

   • I = 1
   • N = 2
   • T = 3
   • R = 4
   • O = 5
   • D = 6
   • U = 7
   • C = 8
   • E = 9
   • S = 0

   In this example, EE corresponds to 1999 (E = 9, E = 9). This is one of the most critical pieces of information for identifying the correct parts for your engine because engine parts can vary greatly depending on the model year.

7. Model Run or Suffix

   If there is any additional letter after the model year code, it represents a specific model run or suffix. This provides details about slight variations in engines produced in the same year. It’s not always essential for most users, but it can be useful for identifying unique or special model versions.

   In the example, A would represent a specific model run or suffix, denoting some variation of the engine within that year’s production cycle.

Model Years 2002-2005

1. Prefix (Model Variation)

   The first letter or combination of letters represents a model variation or prefix for the engine. This variation can indicate different aspects, such as production for specific markets or special models.

   • B = Blue Paint
   • AP = Advanced Propulsion

   In this example, B indicates that the engine is painted Blue. This could be important for certain color-coded versions of engines or special editions.

2. Style (Brand Identification)

   After the prefix comes a letter indicating the brand or style of the outboard motor:

   • J = Johnson
   • E = Evinrude

   Here, E indicates that the motor is an Evinrude engine. If the letter was J, it would mean it is a Johnson outboard.

3. Horsepower

   The numbers following the brand letter represent the horsepower of the engine. These numbers are essential to understanding the engine’s power and help determine the correct parts, manuals, or maintenance requirements.

   In the example, 175 indicates that the engine has 175 horsepower.

4. Design Features

   The following section provides a letter or combination of letters that represent specific design features. These features could include starting methods, steering configurations, injection types, and more.

   • F = Direct Injection (Evinrude’s advanced fuel injection system)
   • C = Counter Rotation

   In the example, FC signifies that the engine has Direct Injection and Counter Rotation capabilities. Some other possible design features listed in the diagram include:

   • D = Evinrude E-TEC™ (Evinrude’s E-TEC engines are known for fuel efficiency and advanced technology)
   • P = Power Trim and Tilt
   • M = Military use
   • W = Commercial Model

   These codes are critical for knowing the technical specifications and functional elements of your engine.

5. Shaft Length

   After the design feature codes, the next letter refers to the shaft length. Shaft length is important because it determines how the engine fits onto boats with different transom heights.

   • Blank = 15 inches (Standard)
   • L = 20 inches (Long)
   • X = 25 inches (Extra Long)
   • Z = 30 inches (XX-Long)

   In the example, X means the engine has a 25-inch shaft length (extra-long). This is especially important when choosing an outboard motor to match your boat’s specifications.

6. Cylinders/Stroke Type

   Following the shaft length, a number will indicate the cylinder configuration or stroke type of the engine:

   • 3 = 3-Cylinder (typically 25/35 HP models)
   • 4 = Four-Stroke Engine

   In the example, 4 means the motor is a Four-Stroke Engine, which provides more efficiency and is often preferred for environmental and fuel-saving benefits.

7. Model Year

   The next two letters in the model number represent the model year, and these are decoded using the “INTRODUCES” system, where each letter represents a number:

   • I = 1
   • N = 2
   • T = 3
   • R = 4
   • O = 5
   • D = 6
   • U = 7
   • C = 8
   • E = 9
   • S = 0

   In this example, SO represents the year 2005 (S = 0, O = 5). This is a crucial part of the model number because engine designs and parts can vary significantly between years, so knowing the correct year is necessary for ordering parts or finding manuals.

8. Model Run or Suffix

   Finally, a letter at the end of the model number represents a specific model run or suffix. This detail tracks small variations in engines produced within the same year. It’s not always critical for most users, but it helps identify specific production runs or updates.

Model Years 2005 and Up

1. Prefix (Model Variation)

   The first letter or combination of letters represents a model variation or prefix. This is an indicator of specific types of engines designed for certain markets or special editions.

   • B = Bodensee model (used in specific regions, especially for compliance with local environmental regulations)
   • D = ICON model (a more advanced electronic engine model with integrated controls)

   In this case, B indicates that the engine is a Bodensee model.

2. Style (Brand Identification)

   After the prefix comes the letter indicating the brand or style of the outboard motor:

   • J = Johnson
   • E = Evinrude

   Here, E indicates that the motor is an Evinrude engine.

3. Horsepower

   The numbers following the brand letter represent the horsepower of the engine. These numbers are essential in understanding the engine’s power and determining the correct parts, manuals, or maintenance requirements.

   In the example, 200 means the engine has 200 horsepower.

4. Design Features

   The next letters after the horsepower indicate design features. These can include elements related to the engine’s starting method, steering capabilities, fuel injection type, and more. Here’s a breakdown:

   • D = Evinrude E-TEC® (a fuel-efficient engine technology)
   • P = Power Trim and Tilt

   In the example, DP signifies that the engine has Evinrude E-TEC® technology and Power Trim and Tilt capabilities. Some other potential design features include:

   • B = Blue Paint
   • C = Counter Rotation
   • F = Direct-Injection
   • J = Jet Drive
   • H = High Output
   • S = Saltwater Approved

   These codes are critical for understanding the specific technical capabilities of the engine.

5. Shaft Length

   After the design features, a letter denotes the shaft length of the engine. Shaft length determines the fit of the motor to boats with different transom heights.

   • Blank = 15 inches (Standard)
   • L = 20 inches (Long)
   • X = 25 inches (Extra Long)
   • Z = 30 inches (XX-Long)

   In this example, X indicates that the engine has a 25-inch shaft length (extra-long).

6. Cylinders/Stroke Type

   The number following the shaft length provides details on the cylinder configuration or stroke type of the engine.

   • 3 = 3-Cylinder (typically for 25/35 HP models)
   • 4 = Four-Stroke Engine

   Here, 4 is missing, meaning this example does not include specific information on the cylinder configuration or stroke type. If present, it would provide additional details about the engine’s internal combustion system.

7. Model Year

   The next two letters in the model number represent the model year, and this is decoded using the “INTRODUCES” system, where each letter corresponds to a number:

   • I = 1
   • N = 2
   • T = 3
   • R = 4
   • O = 5
   • D = 6
   • U = 7
   • C = 8
   • E = 9
   • S = 0

   In this example, IN represents the year 2012 (I = 1, N = 2).

8. Model Run or Suffix

   Finally, a letter at the end of the model number represents a specific model run or suffix, helping to track small variations in engines produced within the same year.

Model Number Chart Prior to 1979