1968 Johnson 85 HP

[clemsparks]

Hi all,

I just picked up a package (boat/engine/trailer) that I plan to use a little bit this summer before a little bit more intense overhaul after the coming boating season.

I know VERY little about outboards outside of the reading I've been doing here over the past couple of weeks prior to the purchase of this engine.

My title say's it's a '68. The tag reads as follows:

Model No: V4AL-20A
Serial No: J2867090

85HP at 5000 rpm

I've read through the "waking a sleeping outboard" thread and will be following these proceedures before trying to turn the engine over (1st step, let the cylinders soak in some oil).

I guess my questions here are more about any things to look out for on this engine. Common problems, common fixes, strong or weak points of this particular design.

For instance, I see talk about electric shift systems being tricky. Does this outboard have electric shift (I hope not).

Also, "loop" or "crossflow"...which is this engine?

Any other good or bad design issues to look out for. Are there common upgrades?

Thanks for any advice,
Clem

P.S. A little background about me: I'm very mechanical, but haven't worked on boats much. Cars are my primary hobby, but if it's a machine, I'm probably interested in it (boats, planes, bikes and cycles, etc.)

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1968 Johnson 85 HP

your first step is to order the service manual for your motor. http://www.outboardbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=models.main&year=1968&ID=56168

second, become familar with the parts diagrams, use drop down menu and clik Johnson,
http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=bf6ad09c53cead335fcfd8a6471c0f7f

be very careful when connecting battery cables, and do not use a weak battery with those motors.

just an instant cross of pos and neg battery cable can blow electronics. =-$500.

the most common problem is blowing power packs, and the nla lower unit solenoid, and wiring harness. when changing the impeller be very careful of the shift harness going down the leg.

other than being a little gas hungry, they are a power house.

1968 is a true electric shift lower unit, parts hard to find.

keep all battery connection battery and motor end clean an tight.

 

[clemsparks]

Re: 1968 Johnson 85 HP

Darn!

I could really do without "specialty stuff" like electric shift on my boat. Oh well, I guess I'll see how it all works and just hope for the best.

My plan for this boat is to use on the Missouri River with my daughters, so reliability will be of utmost importance.

I just realized I could attach photos, so I'll do that on this post. A photo of the engine and its ID tag.

To say my budget will be tight is an undertatement. So I'll be on the lookout for a low priced, probalby used, manual. On edit: I think the easy option is that ~$35 manual in the link you posted, TashasDaddy. The important one to get, I assume, is the "Service Manual," right?

Thanks!
Clem

 

[grenman25]

Re: 1968 Johnson 85 HP

I have this same engine and i am having trouble with the wiring. It has sat since 2006 and some of the wiring was freyed and I had to replace some of it. I did my best to route everyting back to its original place. The wiring diagram i was using as a basis was for a 69' and it had a couple different routings. Is there a wiring diagram that i could use to make sure that it is correct. I dont want to try and put power to it until I know for sure that i'm not going to smoke or fry anything because of bad wiring.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1968 Johnson 85 HP

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