1985 Evinrude 85 hp

[Phantom17]

Hi all, I am considering buying a runabout with an 85 hp evinrude ob. I have has stern drives all along, so I'm real new at OB's. It's a 2 stroke and I am told the trim/tilt is a little loud, but other than that it runs good. What kind of things do I look at when checking her out? Is this a decent OB with available parts, easy to work on. My stern drive is for sale, and I want to enjoy whats left of the season. Thanks for your help.-Jeff

 

[llfish]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 85 hp

It is always wise to do a compression check, check lower unit oil for water, and spark plugs. Incorrect plugs can cause some damage. Not a bad idea to see if he has any maintenance records.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Goodoleboy]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 85 hp

Howdy Jeff....If it has good compression on all cylinders its worth takeing a trial run in it.<br /><br />I would consider good compression as any thing over 100 pounds and not more than 10 pounds difference be on all four.<br /><br />execelent would be 125 or over. and again not more than 10 pounds or so diff.<br /><br />Parts are available.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Phantom17]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 85 hp

Unfortunately the only water around it is a hose. It's at a dealer on consingnment for real short money, but as the quote went, "could last til tomorrow, could last to next year, no warranty". The hull is decent, and the interior is OK. Decent trailer. <br /><br />Checking the lower unit oil, same as an out drive, dip stick is the upper screw? Anything habitually go bad with these? Thanks all.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 85 hp

On the lower unit oil - There are two plugs. The upper is a fill plug and the lower is a drain plug. They are about the size of a dime and have a flat head screw slot the width of the plug. Loosen the lower plug (you may have to use a hand impact wrench) and be prepared to put your finger in the hole quickly if the plug should come out. Examine the oil as it seeps out. It should be dark, smell like oil and have no metal chips (some of the plugs are magnetic to catch metal). If the oil has any water in it it will be milky or chocolate in color. Use a new gasket to replace the plug.<br /><br />Oh and if there is water that will mean, at a minimum, that it needs to be disassembled and new seals installed. If there are metal shavings or chips I would walk away quickly.

 

[jspitzer]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 85 hp

i've ot a 70hp johnson and not a bit of trouble with it till last year, the stator went out.as for the tilt and trim it's not loud at all.

 

[Phantom17]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 85 hp

Thanks, when I can get to look at it I will. Sounds like things work the same as an I/O. Whats a decent used 85 hp go for? Like I said the hull is good and the int decent. Need any special tools for these? Pardon my ignorance, I had my first stern drive this spring, and the lower went. 400 stringer, boat is very good for an 81, but I'm not fixing the lower for more than I paid for the boat!