Swapping bottom ends

[fmanerchia]

Hi everyone. I have an 85 hp Johnson (Model 85ESL-73M, Serial # J3856855) that stopped going into gear, forward or reverse. After pulling the boat out of the water and draining the oil (black water) out of the bottom end, I’ve seen that there are pits and pinholes in the engine. I have another 85 HP engine (Model 85ESL69E, Serial # J3032357). I am wondering if the bottom end from the second engine will work if I bolt it onto on the first one. The second one is an electric shift, whereas the first one was hydraulically assisted. Can I/will I have to use the remote control from the second engine with the first engine? What adjustments will I need to make? Is there any way to protect/resurface the exterior of the first engine’s exterior to avoid the problem from reoccurring? Finally, is there any way to repair the bottom end from the first engine, both interior and exterior-wise? <br />Thanks,<br />Frank

 

[Marc J.]

Re: Swapping bottom ends

I'm throwing in my two cents to get you back on the board Frank. I would highly doubt that those two are interchangeable. If the first L.U. is pitted only and not ridden with holes it may be O.K. The pits can be filled with epoxy filler and topped with a zinc primer. You probably need some anodes.<br /><br />Hopefully you only need a new clutch dog or something minor and your gears are still good. Someone more knowledgeable than myself should be along soon.