Lower unit compatibility

sksemke

Cadet
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
8
Hello, I have a 1978 Evinrude 85HP. I would like to replace the lower unit, but I'm not sure what years and HP will be compatible with this moter. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Lower unit compatibility

i believe 77 was the 1st year of the mechanical shift.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Lower unit compatibility

We're not so concerned with the style of the shifting but rather interchageability of the unit itself. A 20" 1977 140 unit will bolt up & work but you'll have to make some linkage changes at the powerhead. A unit from a 20" 1977 85 or 115 will not. Any 20" V4 lower unit from 1978 and newer will work. A lower unit from a 1978 & newer will work too but you'll have to take it apart to change the driveshaft unless it's new enough that it has the 2 piece shaft.
 
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