1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

[firefighter5406]

I have a 1974 85hp Evinrude outboard Model# 85493-B Serial# J0005179. I need a lower unit for it since this one has been JB welded before I got it. I was told by a mechanic I need to replace the housing. And the other day it sheered some gears I guess because it won't shift out of neutral. I was wondering if someone knows a website that'll tell me how to determine the year of my motor and if anyone knows what other years and hp's of Johnson/Evinrude lower units will interchange since I'm in need and can't find one? Thanks, Doug

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

i'm not positive but i would think take any of the 70's 85hp lowers would be interchangeable, as they didn't like to retool just for change. watch ebay.

 

[firefighter5406]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

Thanks! I've been looking on ebay and I found one from a 1978 85hp evinrude. I sent the seller a question and haven't heard back yet though. I need to get back on the lake! I think I'll attempt to swap them myself since I'm fairly mechanically inclined. I've just never tackled marine motors. Is it difficult to swap lower units? Thanks, doug

 

[bigbob_FTW]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

Its a pretty simple swap. there is a bolt under the trim tab. and the shifter unhooks under the carbs, (at least on my '75).

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

The lower unit from the 1973-1977 85HP and 115HP will fit the 1974 85HP as will the 135HP units from 1973-1976. Either Evinrude or Johnson - they are the same except for paint. Some of the 135HP units have a negligible 13:25 vs. 13:26 difference in gear ratio.


None of the 1978 units will work on the 1974 V4 models.

You can compare parts and models at the BRP parts site and look up your 1974 Evinrude 85HP:

http://epc.brp.com/default.aspx?brands=ej&lang=e

This OMC archival link will give you the base yearly model numbers for the various 85HP Evinrude motors:

http://web.archive.org/web/20020219052918/www.evinrude.com/docktalk/modref/evmodyr/EHP85.html

Edit: just to clarify, the years that I listed above are the only years that will work without fairly massive modification to other components of the motor.

 

[gregr1971]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

have you drained the lower unit? if so, any pieces of metal? it could be as simple as a cable/control box problem, .... is it electric shift? if i am not mistaking, the electric shift models would stay in forward if there was a problem..

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

72 was the last electric, i believe.

 

[firefighter5406]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

Thanks for all the info. I had my friend's dad, which is a boat mechanic, come over and look at it. He pulled the bottom fill plug and the magnet is covered with metal shavings, it grinds when you spin the prop, it's been jb welded in the front where it's hit something hard, and the oil is a beige color. In my mind, it's shot. I just found a 1979 model 85hp evinrude lower unit on ebay. I asked the seller if it will fit on my '74 and he thinks it will. Does anyone know for sure if it will? I live in central, Illinois and he's a dealer/mechanic in texas. I don't wanna pay for it if it's not gonna work. I appreciate all your help so far. This is my first time on a chat forum and you guys have been more than helpful to a beginner boat mechanic Thanks again, Doug

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

I can promise that the 79 unit will NOT fit. 73-77, 115 or 85. 73-76, 135. That's it.

 

[firefighter5406]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

Thanks eezeke! That sure narrows my options I have right now. I'm glad you told me or I'd be buying a '79 in awhile and when it didn't work....well, you can guess how I'd be doing then Thank you, Doug

 

[nmhellraiser]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

I have a 77 lower unit of a 115. Make an offer and pay for shipping and its yours. This is the only part of the motor that I know is good. It shifts fine. I found out today that 2 of my cylinders only have 50 PSI. I can shoot you some pics if you want them.

 

[tschamp20]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

what you dont want to spend $1400 on a new iboats lower unit?lol

 

[firefighter5406]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

Umm....I dunno what it's worth? I know I'm waiting on an email from a guy in PA. He's got a '77 85hp Evinrude that had a small fire but still runs with power tilt/trim and he's only asking $100. But I dunno if he'll ship it to me. You let me know, and we'll talk. email me at firefighter5406@hotmail.com if you want. And the pics would be great! Thanks, Doug

 

[firefighter5406]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

I'm still looking for a lower unit for my boat. A power tilt/trim package would be nice too. I would take a whole motor that's thrown a rod or something if I can get a good lower unit. And if it came with a tilt/trim package, that'd be great! I live in the central part of Illinois, so if I could find something I could drive to pick up would be ideal. But I could also have it shipped if it wouldn't cost too much. My # is 2172540537 if someone has either or both of these items.

Thanks, Doug

 

[tschamp20]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

did you ever get w/ mmhellraiser who posted above? his will work.

 

[firefighter5406]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

Ya I wrote him back on his personal email, but he never got back to me. I'm more than willing to deal with him, but he's either busy, or he doesn't wanna make a sale. So I'm following up a lot of leads, but no bites for sure. If anyone lives near North East, PA(that's the actual name of the town), I just talked to a guy on the phone and I have his email. He has a 1977 115hp Johnson that threw a rod with a good power tilt/trim package and a good lower unit. He's only asking $100! And he said if he doesn't sell it soon, he's gonna give it away to the junk yard! It's too far away for me, or I'd jump on it in a heartbeat! my email is firefighter5406@hotmail.com if you need his email or phone number. It's a 2 day drive for me each way or I'd already have it! I'm just trying to help someone out because I know I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Doug

 

[apane]

Re: 1974 85hp Evinrude Lower Unit

Did you find the unit? I have a lower unit which I believe came off of a 1977 115HP in pretty good shape? Let me know if you are interested?