How to find a discontinued OMC, Evinrude or Johnson part
Short answer: Start with the full model number from the engine's ID tag, look up the original part number in the factory parts diagram, then check every later (superseded) number for that part. If the factory lists it as "NLA" (no longer available), the remaining sources are new-old-stock (NOS) on dealer and boatyard shelves, tested used parts, or a reputable aftermarket equivalent.
Why are so many OMC and Evinrude parts discontinued?
Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), which built Johnson, Evinrude and OMC Cobra sterndrives, went bankrupt in 2000, and BRP bought the Evinrude and Johnson outboard brands. On May 27, 2020, BRP announced it was ending production of Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboards. BRP said it would keep supplying service parts to customers and dealers, but parts for older engines are steadily marked no longer available.1
Step 1: Get the exact model number
Read the ID tag on the engine's mounting bracket and write down the full model number and serial number, letters included. The last letters on OMC model numbers usually mark the model year and version, and the same horsepower can use different parts from one year to the next. See our guide to reading your model and serial number.
Step 2: Find the original part number
Look the engine up in a parts diagram (a dealer can do this for you) and find the part by its position on the drawing. Write down the part number exactly, including any leading zero. OMC numbers are often written both with and without it, for example 987661 and 0987661.
Step 3: Follow the supersessions
Manufacturers often replace a part number with a newer one that does the same job. A part listed as "NLA" under its original number may still exist under a later number, or the reverse: old boxes may carry only the original number. Search for every number in the chain.
Step 4: Check NOS, used and aftermarket sources
- NOS (new-old-stock): factory parts that were never installed, often still in the original box at older dealers and boatyards.
- Tested used: parts removed from another engine. Ask how it was tested.
- Aftermarket: parts made by another company to fit. Quality varies by brand.
Our guide to NOS vs used vs aftermarket parts covers the trade-offs.
Step 5: Confirm before you pay
Ask for a photo of the actual part and the label on the box, and compare it to your old part (connectors, mounting holes, wire colors). On South Shore Marine Parts you get that photo before you pay.
Common questions
What does NLA mean on a marine part?
NLA means no longer available: the manufacturer no longer supplies that part number new. The part may still exist as new-old-stock, as a used part, under a superseded number, or as an aftermarket equivalent.
Can I still get parts for an Evinrude outboard?
Often, yes. BRP said in 2020 that it would continue supplying service parts after ending Evinrude outboard production, but individual parts for older engines can be no longer available, so NOS, tested used or aftermarket parts may be the only options.
What information do I need to find a discontinued outboard part?
The engine's full model and serial number from the ID tag, the original part number if you have it, and a photo of the old part.
Send your engine make, horsepower, year and the part you need (or a photo of the old part). The search is free, and you see a photo of the actual part before you pay anything.
Find My Part →Sources
- BRP, "BRP Advances Marine Strategy by Focusing on Boats and New Technologies," May 27, 2020. news.brp.com