General Identification

• Johnson outboards are clearly marked "Johnson" on the engine cover. Wear and tear may cause damage, but the decals are fairly durable. On the side of the engine, or on the mounting bracket, the identification plate's model number contains the most valuable information. Johnson model numbers are split into three categories: 1968 and earlier, 1969 to1979 and 1980 and later.
  
  

Number Decoding

• The plate of most models produced after 1980 will have the year of manufacture and horsepower clearly labeled. If not, the eight- to 12-digit code, consisting of both numbers and letters, translates as follows: "J" for Johnson, the next three numbers give the horsepower and the next three to four letters are for design features and shaft length. The last two letterss are for the year, which comes from the following key: I-N-T-R-O-D-U-C-E-S corresponding to 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Although the plate and model number locations are usually the same, 1979 and earlier Johnson outboards do not follow a consistent model number system. On the earlier models, the plate location may vary. Consulting a Johnson parts department or referring to a cross-reference listing will remedy this (see References).