1975 Johnson 85hp (85ESL75)

jhohman35

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2017
Messages
9
Hello,

I just bought a 1975 Johnson 85HP engine for $150. That being said you might already be able to tell what condition it is in. It was off the boat and the controls were torn apart and I did not have anything to pull start it to check compression. If it starts is unknown. I pulled the spark plugs and took a look around and it does seem to be pretty clean. I was told it ran and the reason why the controls were taken apart was because there was a problem with the ignition. I don't think it was a bad deal but maybe one of you will tell me I am an idiot for even looking at it. I have a pontoon that I want to put it on to replace the 1990 40hp VRO Evinrude that is currently on it. It probably doesnt make sense to put 75 motor on a 90 toon but I would like to have something that has a little more juice if and when I need it

Can anyone give me a history lesson on this motor (pros/cons)? Is it a good motor?

Will the controls from the 40 would match up with this 85?

There is no power tilt or trim, did they have that option so I could possibly find the part? I know CMC makes after market but its about 700$ and just want to see if I can find a cheap option.

I am looking at a service manual for it http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Johnso...ash=item3d3e9babdc:g:xVkAAOSw8lpZHeLr&vxp=mtr Would this give me useful info or should I try to find a Clymer edition?

I am not a mechanic but I would love to learn more about outboards so I thought for $150 I couldn't really go wrong. However, maybe one of you will tell me I should not have done this.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
It's a decent motor. I ran a '73 85 for a number of years. You're pretty hosed on the TnT though. Pre-'78 TnT units are tough to find and go for big money on ebay. If your 1990 controls have the big red plug they'll work.
 

jhohman35

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2017
Messages
9
Yeah I am not finding much for the TnT but I havent been looking. Maybe I will be stuck with the CMC. Did notice any parts that wore out frequently or any big problems? I thought about taking it to a local marine shop and having them do a once over on it and tell me what they think needs to be done before I go replacing things that don't need to be replaced.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Once you get it running....if it runs well on the water and seems to have good power and is bangin' on all cylinders I wouldn't go looking for trouble. Change the gear lube and put an impeller on it.

One positive to the CMC units is that you could buy one, run it for a couple years, and then sell it for close to what you paid for it if you upgrade to a motor with built in TnT (especially if you start out with used one).
 
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