1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

[GLPmike]

Hello,

I have the chance to upgrade my older 1968 Johnson 65 hp with a 1977 Johnson 85 hp for my older Glastron.

The 85 hp runs strong, but the power tilt is broken. Question: is this upgrade worth the trouble of changing out motors? The 85 hp also contains a new OMC control box and wire harness. All four coils have Bern replaced as well as the carbs rebuilt.

Also, I did quite a bit of work on the older motor will things get easier with this one?

How about gas usage? Is the newer motor more efficent or the same.

Thanks
mike

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

In my opinion it is a worthwhile upgrade. Unfortunately you are 1 year shy of the more modern style TnT so forget about attempting to add it unless you want to empty your bank account.

This was my '73 http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Boat Project/?action=view&current=HoleShot.flv that I sold in excellent running condition this past fall.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

It's not the best choice. You would be way ahead if you wait for a 1979 or newer.

Replacements for the PT&T are not available and the gearcase, engine and ignition system are a dead end in 1977. 1978 is a one year engine model, so that's not so good either.

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Deadend? Meaning if it has a problem in these area it's junk?

Getting the whole setup for $100.

I am not crazy about the 1968, so I thought it might be worthwhile plus pick up some additional hp....

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Deadend? Meaning if it has a problem in these area it's junk?............

No, it means that after that year just about everything changed on the V4 motors except the cowling and the spark plugs.

You will not have a problem finding most parts.

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Thanks.

So, for a $100 investment it's a good move... This motor does not have unique problems, it's just that it's design was not used for the long term.

Will this motor be long enough fir a 20" transom?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

There are a lot of improvements from the 68 to the 77. The midsection is quieter. It has the more modern crossflow two-barrel carbs which are easily worked on. It has the newer thru-hub exhaust for performance and noise reduction. You can put a wide variety of props on this engine. The ignition is a breakerless solid state type which is more reliable. The four individual coils provide a hot spark to each plug. The 85 was not particularly efficient, but I'll venture that it will burn about what the 65 does. There were many thousands of these 77 engines produced and many are still running. It is fairly easy to find basic parts, either new or used if you need to repair it. I'd go with the 77 and not even look back.

 

[McGR]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

I recently sold my old rig with a '76 85hp (same as '77) which I ran for the last six years. I thought it was a great motor. It performed very well for me and was easy to work on. Parts weren't a problem either. If the price is right, I'd say go for it.

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Thanks for the response!

 

[F_R]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

I was an Evinrude dealer mechanic in 1977. The 85hp was one of our best sellers.

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Would anyone know if the decals are availabe for this motor. I will need to repaint the cowling/cover as the prior owner painted it solid black.

Thanks

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Thanks F.R.

Would you happen to know if this motor would perform well on my boat which has a 20" transom?

I believe transom's are either 20" or 25" and the short and long shaft motors are made to fit respectively. I also believe the cavitation plate should be equal to the bottom of the hull plus/minus 1-2 inches.

Are these correct assumptions?

Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

I used these http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item335aa8a7ce to do this:

 

[F_R]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Thanks F.R.

Would you happen to know if this motor would perform well on my boat which has a 20" transom?

I believe transom's are either 20" or 25" and the short and long shaft motors are made to fit respectively. I also believe the cavitation plate should be equal to the bottom of the hull plus/minus 1-2 inches.

Are these correct assumptions?

Thanks

85E"L" is a 20" shaft. Should work just fine for you. The mounting brackets allow raising the motor, but not lowering it. The trick for best performance is to run it as high as you can without excessive or annoying cavitation or ventilation. Most of them sat down on the transom.

They didn't have 25" motors back then.

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Could someone please tell me the correct fuel mixture for this motor?

Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

50:1 - 87 or 89 US Octane to TC-W3 oil.

You might want to consider a factory service manual; it would save you money and time: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977...20492461683QQptZMotorsQ5fManualsQ5fLiterature

 

[Ucee]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

GLPMike,
that engine is a great engine I had one as well But the impeller relacement was a bit tricky for me seeing how I never changed one before, but the mixture of fuel and oil is one pint of oil to 6 gallons of fuel. make sure your prop is in good shape and dont use full throttle like I did or your fuel wont last very long I went through 12 gallons in less than 1 hour running wide open lol family was mad at me lol... justsome helpful tips for you.

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Thanks...

12 gallons in one hour at full throttle? Is that normal usage for this motor?

 

[GLPmike]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Ezeke thaks for the link....

I purchased all the manuals for my 68' 65 hp and they were a big help.

I changed out the WP, gear case, and ignition system for my 68' so am I looking at something more complex with this motor for similar repairs?

Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85 hp 85el77s question?

Most two stroke carbureted outboards will run 10% of their horsepower in gallons per hour at WOT. You can cut that in half by running at a reasonable cruising speed.

You can do better with DFI.