late 70's 85hp johnson outboard

[carter7979]

worth fixing or no? needs prop and starter apparently...my first boat and motor help...

 

[steelespike]

Re: late 70's 85hp johnson outboard

This probably needs to be in the Evinrude/Johnson section but lets see
how it developes.
Don't be so secretive. Tell us about the whole package.
Last time it ran? I wouldn't buy without at least a compression check.
A test run on the water is best, test in a barrel or on muffs a 2nd choice.
Prop and starter are easy but I'm betting it needs a lot more.
Tell us about it.Boat may have issues too.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: late 70's 85hp johnson outboard

While there is nothing wrong with a late 70's 85hp, it isn't my favourite.

I have a 1980 115hp and that is kinda the lowest hp I would go for in a V4. The 85 and 140 both weigh the same. If I was looking in that range of hp, I'd keep my eyes out for a same era 70 or 75hp. Three cylinder motor making almost the same hp for a lot less weight.

My current boat came with a 70hp. Since I had a 115 from my old boat, I swapped and am happy with the swap, but the 70 pushed the boat fine and I probably only gain 5-6 mph for a fair bit more fuel.

But we'd need more info on the motor/boat. Prop is a given when getting a motor and a starter is no big deal. But what else do you know about the motor?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: late 70's 85hp johnson outboard

worth fixing or no? needs prop and starter apparently...my first boat and motor help...

Nothing wrong with those old late 70's Johnson's. They were all but bullet proof, easy to work on and very reliable!

Nothing like the howl the old V4's had at full trim at about 6,000RPM!!!!!