1976 85 v4 seahorse johnson

[olpace]

I am needing to replace the flywheel key in my 1976 85hp v4 seahorse as well as the water pump. I have worked on my old 70hp evinrude a good bit through the years and feel as if this is a task that I can tackle with some guidance. Any help and/or advice would be very much appreciated. What all has to be removed in order to get the flywheel off and replace the key? Is this going to mess with the timing? What are the torque specs etc? As far as the water pump goes are there any small tricks I should know about this old motor? If you had the choice would you run this 76 model 85 hp motor or the 73 model 70 hp evinrude. I have a 16' trihull fishing boat. I currently have the 70 on there and its running great, but I would like a little more power. However I do not want to go through the hassle of swapping out my motors if this old johson isnt going to be as dependable.

Thanks in advance for all of your help,
Brandon

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1976 85 v4 seahorse johnson

most of this is covered in the TOP SECRET FILE. water pump remove the bottom carb, behind it on the bottom center you will see a bolt, (holding bell Crank) loosen bolt, so the shift linkage on the port side of the engine can disconnect. the drop lower unit, reverse to install. DO NOT turn the shift rod.

choice i woud run the 85. flywheel covered in TSF.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1976 85 v4 seahorse johnson

You'll have to remove the flywheel nut and use a puller to get the flywheel loose from the top of the crank. You will realign the flywheel on the new key and the timing will be automatically correct. Torque the flywheel nut to 100-105 ft lbs. If the flywheel and mating crank taper surfaces are rusty, you may want to lap the flywheel before reinstalling so that it seats perfectly. You can reuse the control box for the 85 hp engine. You should notice a huge torque difference. The 70 hp engine is around 50 cubic inches, the 85 is 92.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1976 85 v4 seahorse johnson

And be sure to use the OEM flywheel key for your replacement #0307480.

Also, when releasing the shift rod to get the gearcase off; it's easier to replace if you loosen, not remove, the screw that forms the fulcrom of the bellcrank before spreading the fingers at the end to release the pin.

Click the thumbnail please.

 

[McGR]

Re: 1976 85 v4 seahorse johnson

On the '76 85hp there were two water tubes going to the water pump. There are also a couple of guide tubes used for water tube alignment during re-assembly. These are basically a couple of plastic tubes about 3/4" in diameter x 2" long. When you encounter these during removal, don't lose them and make sure to use them to get the l/u back together.

Regarding the motors... that's kind of a tough call. Both are pretty good motors. You'll certainly get a little more power from the 85hp, but the 70hp motors were fairly decent performers too. The 70hp would certainly be better on fuel. I guess it depends on what you are looking for.