85HP tilt & trim

cadewd

Recruit
Joined
May 15, 2008
Messages
4
I have two problems. First, does anyone know if there is any other way to find the year, model and serial number if there is not an ID plate? The plate on left transom mount bracket is gone. I tried looking in engine compartment but all i see is "made in USA" and a circle with "86" in center. Can model be determined by any other part numbers? I do know it is an 85HP. Second, the left transom mount bracket needs to be replaced, due to severe corrosion. I found a power tilt/trim unit on EBAY that came off a 90HP. It includes both transom mount brackets. Does anyone know if the the brackets off the 90HP will fit on an 85HP? I would probably replace the entire tilt/trim unit. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 

1fullforce

Seaman
Joined
Jul 6, 2007
Messages
51
Re: 85HP tilt & trim

Hi , There Is A Left Side Bracket Listed On Ebay From A Force 85 Hp
 

RRitt

Captain
Joined
Mar 30, 2006
Messages
3,319
Re: 85HP tilt & trim

all transom brackets and Trim/Tilt are interchangeable between all 3cyl and larger Chrysler, Force, and USMarine engines. This is because the swivel bracket is the same for all engines.

However, the parts are not interchangeable within a subsystem. For example any transom clamp will fit any engine and any trim/tilt will fit any transom clamp. But not every Trim motor will fit every trim system.

Another caveat is the electrical wiring. 1987 and earlier boats are wired for a 3w trim system. 1988 and later are wired for 2w trim systems. It is not entirely uncommon for late '87 and early '88 boats to have the earlier/later trim wiring. Any trim system will fit any transom clamp which will fit any engine ... but you may have to rewire or add relays.

Another consideration is hull mounting. USMarine did away with the inside clamp and went with two thru bolts. If you change from one to the other then you may need to plug or drill some holes through your transom. I personally prefer the Chrysler design with clamp. This is simply because corrosion can gather inside the thru bolt channel. Since Aluminum Oxide is significantly larger than the aluminum it creates tremendous internal pressure and eventually splits the transom clamp. It isn't a problem if you are good with maintenance but I always prefer solutions that don't really need maintenance in the first place.

The final thing to consider is the condition of a used Trim system. Rubber only lasts so long. Even if you never use the system the rubber still gets hard and cracks with age. A trim system should be good for 17-23 years regardless of how much or little it is used. If a used system falls into this age bracket then be careful about corrosion. The systems are rebuildable in almost any condition ... but corrosion can double or triple the cost of doing a quality rebuild.
 

cadewd

Recruit
Joined
May 15, 2008
Messages
4
Re: 85HP tilt & trim

It has been painted, but inside cover and cowling are metallic blue/purple. Thanks
 

cadewd

Recruit
Joined
May 15, 2008
Messages
4
Re: 85HP tilt & trim

Thank you. This was extremely helpful. My motor has the bolt through and did just as you described - it split at the top bolt hole. The most important info you gave me is that the parts are interchangeable (for the most part). I will look at my wiring to see if it's 2 or 3 wire. Thanks again......Ed
 
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