1977 Johnson 85hp model number question

[texas.aaron]

I recently received the gift of an old boat that's been sitting a while. Motor ran great last time it started which was a few years ago, but I'm going to go through it in the next couple months to check everything that was posted in the stickies.

It has a 1977 Johnson 85hp motor that I'm trying to get a repair manual for before I start going through it. The problem I'm having is the model number on the motor doesn't match any of the manuals I can find. The model number on the ID tag on the mounting bracket is 85ETLR77S. The only models I find for manuals is the 85ETL77 and the 85TXLR77. I am able to find parts listed under my model number though. (I've read the model numbers weren't exactly standardized at that time)

So, I guess my two questions are: First, any way to know what those letters stand for? (I'm guessing different options, like tilt, electric start, rope start, etc). Second, which manual would be the closest match to what I have?

Thanks!

Aaron

 

[gm280]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85hp model number question

I recently received the gift of an old boat that's been sitting a while. Motor ran great last time it started which was a few years ago, but I'm going to go through it in the next couple months to check everything that was posted in the stickies.

It has a 1977 Johnson 85hp motor that I'm trying to get a repair manual for before I start going through it. The problem I'm having is the model number on the motor doesn't match any of the manuals I can find. The model number on the ID tag on the mounting bracket is 85ETLR77S. The only models I find for manuals is the 85ETL77 and the 85TXLR77. I am able to find parts listed under my model number though. (I've read the model numbers weren't exactly standardized at that time)

So, I guess my two questions are: First, any way to know what those letters stand for? (I'm guessing different options, like tilt, electric start, rope start, etc). Second, which manual would be the closest match to what I have?

Thanks!

Aaron

Welcome aboard :welcome: great having you join Iboats...

Seem in 77 Johnson made three models of this OB. That being 85EL77S, 85ETLR77S and 85TXLR77S. At least that is all I see listed for that HP engine in 1977. So being how all three are based on the same general assembly, any of the manufacture's specific year, 85 HP model would work. In fact the same shop manual probably covers all three versions. I know my '76 manual covers four versions of my 40HP Johnson OB. So if you find the original shop manual it will be the one you will use. Hope that helps some...

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85hp model number question

In my OMC Model Year Guide, model #85ETLR77S is a good number but I don't remember what the "R" signifies.

 

[texas.aaron]

Re: 1977 Johnson 85hp model number question

Wow, thanks for the quick replies. I'm sure this will be the first of many questions to come.

The Ken Cook manuals listed on this site for the ETL and TXLR models are two different part numbers... my gut tells me the ETL book would be a closer match... or are there other places I should look/check for a repair manual?