1980 Johnson 85 powerhead fit a 1979?

stationr

Recruit
Joined
May 3, 2009
Messages
1
I broke off a piece of the block in the exhaust area on my 1979 Johnson 85 (model# 85TL79R) when one of the rear studs stuck and have been wondering what to do since (I'll attach a photo). The missing "bridge" is in three pieces and I am guessing it would be difficult to find someone who could weld it back in place. There is a 1980 Johnson 85hp on eBay with a trashed lower unit that looks identical to me from the pictures. Any idea if the 1980 powerhead would bolt onto my 1979 lower unit?

Another possibility: just found 1978 block on eBay. Might that fit? Guess I'd end up doing a rebuild for sure on that one, but it's priced right. Would my crankshaft fit? Jeepers, I am over my head, as usual.
 

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emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1980 Johnson 85 powerhead fit a 1979?

Both the 78 and the 80 will fit.
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: 1980 Johnson 85 powerhead fit a 1979?

I would avoid the 1978 block - it's different in several ways including the crank. Try to get 1979 and up.
 
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