What year 85 HP Johnson

[racerone]

The thread in the drain hole is 3/8-NC----Make a T with that thread on one end .----Gauge ( 0-15 PSI )-in other end and a shreader valve.----Bicycle pump to pressure it up.

 

[eterry]

I have a 1977 85 HP Johnson and you couldn't PRY it out of my hands. I love this motor. I don't need a trolling motor, just let her idle in forward and she moves about 1 knot. I just got her cranked, been out of service a while (me and the boat both). I switched fuel tanks and this one still has trash in it. Only has the nozzle entry and fuel line adapter...guess I'll throw in some gravel and swish it around.

IMHO that's a GREAT Motor!

 

[racerone]

Yes, these motors are simple , easy to maintain.----Run very smooth if in good condition.

 

[oldboat1]

Well I went ahead and ordered a impeller / carb kit.
Now before it gets here I want to pressure test the gearcase
Was going to buy a brake bleeder kit from HF but reading the reviews they are junkie. Read there were instructions in the Adult Only Section , but that does not seam to be working. Looking for an inexpensive way to do it.
Does anyone have plans on building my own? I run a hardware store so I have access to many parts. Own and have compressors , hand pumps ,tubing etc.
Thank You,

I use a foot pump (bicycle pump) with a gauge. With l.u. removed and empty, remove either the fill or drain screw and use the needle and a piece of gasket or rubber to seal, and pump a few pounds into the case. Use a spray bottle with soapy water to identify leaks.

 

[STARCRAFT75]

It Held presure ! I Think.
I pumped it up to 15psi after about 2minutes it dropped to 12.
After 15 minutes it slowly dropped to 10psi.
May recheck my connections on my homemade tester to see if they are seeping?
Do those results sound like it is ok , Note : no sign of water in fluid that I originally drained.
Thank you

 

[oldboat1]

Use the soap spray and look for bubbles.

 

[STARCRAFT75]

Soaped it up , slight leak around the shift shaft. No leaks elsewhere.
I think I will replace O-ring in shift linkage , button it up after I instal the new impeller kit I got today. Make sure I can get this thing running and shifting good before I worry about an gearcase seal kit. No big deal pulling the lower unit again at a later date .
Can anyone tell me the O.D. - I.D -wall thickness of the shift shaft O-ring?
If not I will just try to match it by eye.
Sure I will be back with more ? Soon.
Carb rebuild kits in also.
Thank You for any help!

 

[racerone]

I do not believe you will find that o-ring at the local hardware store.

 

[oldboat1]

I think it's 0318372, but should confirm that. You may be better off ordering one -- but then I don't run a hardware store! (envy of everyone here)

 

[STARCRAFT75]

No luck at the Hardware Store , that's a fat o-ring 3/16 I think.
Going to have to suck it up and order a .30 oring for 3 bucks plus shipping !
Think I will order a drive shaft seal kit while I am at it . Mines well.
Question ? Does anyone have a recomendation on the gasket sealer to use on the impeller cover and shift shaft cover?
Manuel says to use Johnson / Evenrude OMC stuff.
Used to using Permatex 2 and my Sled and other projects. Is Permatex 1 or the Aviation sealer a good or better option ? Or something else ?
Thank You,

 

[racerone]

You will not find that o-ring at the hardware store as stated earlier.

 

[STARCRAFT75]

Sure were right there. Going to order!
Looking for the best gasket sealer recommendations now ?
Thanks

 

[STARCRAFT75]

Ordered the o ring and gasket along with the driveshaft seals.
Still looking for recommendations on the best gasket sealant to use ?
Thank You for any help!

 

[oldboat1]

I use BRP sealant. I believe the Permatex aviation sealant is used by a number of listers.

 

[STARCRAFT75]

Found a junk boat with a 85 hp Johnson that I was considering buying for a parts motor . The parts to be back ups for my 1977 85 hp .
Could anyone identify the year ? From the pictures. Owner says 69 but I do not think it is that old.
Also the back of hood says " Hydro Shift 11 " on it . I think
Would that be compatible with the lower unit on my 1977 ?
Thank you in advance for any help provided.

 

[racerone]

That would be a 1973 model.

 

[STARCRAFT75]

That would be a 1973 model.

Thank you for the info.
Now I need to figure out if the Grreen 73 leg is compatible with the 77 lower unit . Or Vissa Versa
Thinking I could have the 73 Head rebuilt and install and be worry free for a long time?

 

[racerone]

I think it will be hard to find a shop to rebuild that 50 year old powerhead.-----The 1973 V-4 models were UNIQUE,-.------Few internal engine parts would fit 1972 models.----Few internal engine parts would fit 1974 models.----Engine parts for 1973 take longer to find as well.-----Lower unit is identical if your 77 is the oil pressure / mechanical shift.

 

[STARCRAFT75]

New question ? I removed the wiring and controls off of the donor boat.
It had a separate tilt and trim control switch. Kept track of were the wires were connected to this " Black box " Relay thing ?
The Black box had all sorts of different gauge wires ,connectors even some speaker wire connected to it.
What is the Black Box ? Is it just for the Tilt / Trim or is it for all other 12v items , instruments , lights , etc.
I have a Service Manual for the 77 Johnson 85 Hp and the wiring diagram shows the Shifter/Control Bow powering the instraments I Think ?
Does not show the Black Box.
Note: the tilt/ trim unit were a later model add on.
So what do I wire to the black box beside the Tilt / trim

 

[racerone]

That box has the relays for a 2 wire tilt / trim motor.---Possibly trim gauge wires.-----Does nothing else.