What are the visible characteristics between v4 pre1978 and post 78

[schooter]

I recently acquired a V4 engine ( I think its a 78 or later) in which most of the identification #'s are missing. Because of economics I will likely not be able to always purchase new parts for repairs. As I understand it, Evinrude/Johnson made some changes around 77-78. My question is: If I am looking into the engine compartment, What are or are there visible characteristics I should look for to determine whether a motor is pre or post 78? I know the lower units are different in the backward/forward motion. But whats in the engine compartment that would help me make this determination?

 

[racerone]

Re: What are the visible characteristics between v4 pre1978 and post 78

To a novice they ----" all look the same " -----That is why so many outboards are bought / sold with the build year out by 10 or 15 years.

 

[schooter]

Re: What are the visible characteristics between v4 pre1978 and post 78

Yes, but as Nicolas Chamfort once said : "Man arrives as a novice at each age of his life"
No doubt, I have arrived a novice and may never be guru, just want to be something in between. Any help is appreciated.
Someone said that most of the 78 and newer models have a "camel back hump" look to them. Sounds funny, I know. But I looked at a 79 yesterday and it did have that look at the back of engine. Is this a true characteristic of later models vs. the early cousins? or just coincidental on some models?

 

[F_R]

Re: What are the visible characteristics between v4 pre1978 and post 78

The bubble back was only used on certain models, alongside the flat back type on other models of the same year. Not an indication of years. If you are looking for major changes, 1973 saw the introduction of Mag CD ignition on the V-4 models. It has four separate coils, and no distributor cap. Previous to that, there was a black distributor cap under the flywheel and a pulse pack or amplifier out back.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: What are the visible characteristics between v4 pre1978 and post 78

You are correct, these engines seem to look very similar throughout the crossflow years. There are some subtle changes of note: The 78's had the following changes: 1. first year for the dual power packs. 2. first year for the new powerhead base configuration, which also changed to the new dual thermostats. 3. first year for the new trim assy which mounted inside the transom brackets for the 85 and 115. (the 140 changed the year prior.) 4. first year change in the shifting mechanism under the bottom carb. Change from the belcrank assy (77) to the shaft and clevis arrangement (78). This also was the year that the mechanical shifting lower units changed shift pattern (up/down) On an unrelated note: the early 85 and 100 hp crossflows used a 92 cubic inch block. The 115/140 hp engines use the 99.6 block. In 1979, OMC standardized all hp blocks at 99.6 cubes.

 

[boobie]

Re: What are the visible characteristics between v4 pre1978 and post 78

Emds said it all..................

 

[schooter]

Re: What are the visible characteristics between v4 pre1978 and post 78

Thanks for helping me wrap my head around this. Appreciate the wealth of knowledge on this site! And... Don't go to far cause' I'm sure, I'll be back!