85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

[bazzmaster]

I need some advise fellas, please.. I am about to buy a 1977 or 1976 85hp Johnson.. The owner says the lower unit probally needs replaced, thats about all he knows, no specifics.. What is the average cost to have this done versus getting a manual and replacing it myself... Ive never replaced one before so does anybody know how much of a project this will be.. Also when I tried to start it, it had no fire... Any suggestions are appreciated... Thanks

 

[alden135]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

If it was me I'd keep looking for a motor that didn't need to be 50%+ replaced....unless it's for parts or free. My running 85hp rude cost 80 bucks.

 

[bazzmaster]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

getting motor/bassboat w/trolling mtr & trlr for $400.. So I know its needs work, will be a project.

 

[angus63]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

If it's a manual shift, it may be worth a shot if the power head is good. If it's electric or hydroelectric, I'd pass. <br />Reread and you say it has no fire. Might cost more to fix than it's worth!

 

[alden135]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

At least do a compression check to see if the head is any good.If the motor is junk maybe you can talk him down on the boat price. Like angus said it may cost more to fix than a running motor. I'm only bothering putting time and short $ in my old 1969 cause it runs like, or dare I say better, than a lot of newer ones. These folks know their stuff and have been real helpful.Check ebay for lower unit prices.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

All OMC V4's were mechanical shift from 1973 on. If youre looking to replace a 1977 & older lower unit just ask around about prices. Any 20" (assuming yours is a 20" shaft) from 1973 to 77, except the 1977 140, will work. That'll give you an idea of what youre looking at as far as that goes anyway.

 

[McGR]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

I have a '76 85hp Johnson. I bought it cheap last year and made it my outboard project for the season. After giving it a good cleaning a coat of paint new fuel pump, water pump, carb rebuilds, powerpack and a general once over it came back to life nicely. However, later in the season it developed a grinding "feel" in the lower unit. After dropping the lower unit I found the lower unit was binding. I decided to get a manual and tackle this one myself.I ultimately found problems with the hydraulic pump (this year has a hydro-mechanical shift). Replacement of the defective pump components took care of the binding. Other than the older two peice lower unit housing type LUs, this was the first more modern style I have repaired. Overall it wasn't too bad the hardest part was removal of the large snap rings that retain the guts of the gearcase. I had to fabricate my own custom snap ring pliers for this (though they are commercially available). So, if you have reasonable mechanical ability and some blind ambition, you can probably pull this off. <br /><br />Regarding the rig... I would think as long as your powerhead compression checks out OK, you've probably got a good potential rig on your hands at a quite reasonable price.

 

[McGR]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

Double click accident... Disregard this post.<br />MG

 

[Basscat 1]

Re: 85 hp Johnson lower unit problem & no fire

Originally posted by McGR:<br /> Regarding the rig... I would think as long as your powerhead compression checks out OK, you've probably got a good potential rig on your hands at a quite reasonable price.

I agree 100%.