85 rude 115hp good or bad deal?

[dsujen]

I am looking to buy a $200 1985 evinrude 115hp no power trim with controls for a project boat. The guy selling it says the power head is good but the lower unit lost forward gear. He bought a used lower unit that he says is good but didn't put it on the powerhead. He says the shifter shaft height has to be adjusted but the lower unit is good? He said the power head needs carbs cleaned because it hasn't been run in 5 years. What should I do to make sure the lower unit and power head are decent before I buy it? I'm okay with putting on fuel/water pumps, and installing the lower unit, but I don't want to have to rebuild the motor or lower unit.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 85 rude 115hp good or bad deal?

The engine will probably run, even if the lower unit has no forward gear. If so, have him start it up for you. While there, I'd ask to verify the compression, so bring a reliable compression gauge. That should confirm the powerhead condition. Adjusting the shift shaft length is no big deal. Just make sure the other lower unit is compatible with that year's engine. Ask him what year the other lower unit is. If it's a 1977 or older, it shifts backwards from the 85 and that gets into other issues. Since the engine does not have power trim, it's not a popular model. If the other lower unit is good, it alone is worth the $ 200.

 

[tazrig]

Re: 85 rude 115hp good or bad deal?

The engine will probably run, even if the lower unit has no forward gear. If so, have him start it up for you. While there, I'd ask to verify the compression, so bring a reliable compression gauge. That should confirm the powerhead condition. Adjusting the shift shaft length is no big deal. Just make sure the other lower unit is compatible with that year's engine. Ask him what year the other lower unit is. If it's a 1977 or older, it shifts backwards from the 85 and that gets into other issues. Since the engine does not have power trim, it's not a popular model. If the other lower unit is good, it alone is worth the $ 200.

+1^^^ If the compression is decent it sounds like a good deal. As stated above verify the compatibility of the lower unit as well.

 

[dsujen]

Re: 85 rude 115hp good or bad deal?

He said it is not seized but it has been sitting for 5 years and needs the carbs cleaned. I doubt it will run. He said he blocked off the vro oil side of the fuel pump and mixed his own gas. The motor is laying on the ground. The lower unit is not attached to the motor. I have a stand that I can bring but I will probably be only able to check compression. How can I check for spark? Also is there a way to be certain the lower unit is good and will fit this power head because I can't be sure of the seller's honesty.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: 85 rude 115hp good or bad deal?

How can I check for spark?

Get a variable gap spark tester from any auto parts store, they cost around $15 or so. Set the gap to 7/16 inch, ground one side and put the spark plug boot on the other. When cranking the engine look for a nice crisp spark.


About all you can do with the gearcase is verify that you can turn the driveshaft and look for the propshaft to turn in to the right in forward and to the left in reverse (with the driveshaft being rotated clockwise as viewed from above).

You can pretty much bet that there's going to be repair work to be done on a $200 engine. Your best bet, if you buy it, is to purchase a factory service manual right away.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 85 rude 115hp good or bad deal?

You may be able to start it without the lower unit attached. Clamp a garden hose to the water pipe at the bottom of the midsection and turn the hose on, connect it to the battery. You need to activate the starter to take compression readings anyway...

 

[V153]

Re: 85 rude 115hp good or bad deal?

You may be able to start it without the lower unit attached

Why bother. You can check comp & spark gap without running the motor. Yeah if'n it's been sittin for 5 yrs (means 10) ya might wanna shoot a lil juice into the cyl's beforehand ...?