1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

[TampaNate77]

I have a 82 evinrude 60 on my 15 ft tri-hull and have a chance to buy a 1975 johnson 85 that has a spark problem. Just wondering is it worth it performance wise to spend the time to fix the 85 and swap them out? Any advice Thanks.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

I'd stick with the 82 60hp as the g/c can get very costly to repair on the 85 hp and you already said it has a spark prob.

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

Im sorry whats g/c?

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

Gear case. If it is a 1975 it has a hydro-mechanical gearcase. Basiclly a power assisted shift with mechanical follow up.

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

I see.... and what kind of gear case does the 60 horse have?

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

unassisted mechanical

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

ok.... so would there have been a big difference in performance between the two?

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

If both are in good shape, about 5 mph, and much better holeshot from the 85. 92.6 cu in vs. 44.9

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

Possible that the 60 has power trim. Unlikely that the 85 has it. It's a nice feature. I'd probably look around for a set of used 70 hp carbs and swap out your current carbs on the 60. You will pickup about 200 to 250 rpm's on top end. That's almost another prop size.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

the 60 is a 2 cylinder

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

Yes, unfortunatley, that 60 is just a two cyl, as jimmbo noted. It was the later ones that were the 3 cyl 60. Based on that, you'd find a huge difference in torque and power between that 2 cyl looper and the 4 cyl crossflow.

 

[JB]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

The big thirsty will use about 3X the gas to get you anywhere.

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

If both are in good shape, about 5 mph, and much better holeshot from the 85. 92.6 cu in vs. 44.9

Thats not a considerable amount worth the time and money for the swap. For that i'll just keep my 60.

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

So ill get alot more torque out of the 85? How well do those 85's hold up? Are they just as good reliability wise as my 60?

 

[boobie]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

If you have probs with the lower unit on the 85 have plenty of $$$$$ ready to repair. The power heads were fairly good.

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

So I sold my evinrude 60 today.... and im looking to buy a 1989 johnson 70 vro. The only thing im kinda worried about is it bolting to the transom. The johnson 70 should match right up to the same transom as the Evinrude 60 correct? And what do you guys think about the johnson 70 horse?

 

[hidef]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

The 70 triple is a good engine and the bolt holes are universal so bolting it on won't be a problem. That engine uses the VRO2 pump which has alarms for low oil and no oil so the VRO pump shouldn't be an issue. Make sure the warning horn does works and run 50:1 premix in the fuel tank until you are sure the oil side is working correctly. The 70 triple will be a much smoother running engine than the big twin you had and will be just as reliable.

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

Can i just pre mix it and not use the vro pump? I don't wanna take a chance in the middle of the water and the pump stop working you know what i mean? and is the gear casing the same as the 60 I had.... is it gonna be more pricey then the 60 in repairs?

 

[hidef]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

You can disable the VRO pump there are instructions in the top secret file on how to. The VRO2 system is very reliable I would hook it up and use it. You can always keep a jug of oil on board and add oil to your tank in case there is a failure with the oil side. The gear case is the same design as your 60 it is a mechanical gear case and should give you years of trouble free operation. Drain the L/U and refill it with fresh 85W90 gear lube. You should change out the water pump impeller too as you don't know how old it is also check the thermostat too, just to make sure it is functioning too.

 

[TampaNate77]

Re: 1982 evinrude 60 vs. 1975 johnson 85

Ok great!! Thanks to everyone for the advice.... its been a very helpful!!!