1976 Evinrude 85.

[steviecops]

Hi<br /><br />What are your opinions on this motor? I know they were all good when they were new , but was this a good motor, or were they prone to certain problems?<br /><br />I've seen one being sold as a non runner, and I'm tempted to buy it as a project, and maybe to replace my 1980 55hp. From the photos, it looks like a V4, is that right? I'm sure I've read that those V4's were good, basic engines.<br /><br />The price is around £300, which would be about $500, and I'm assured the motor ran great 2 years ago and didn't overheat or anything. It's just been sitting for 2 years, and now it won't start.<br /><br />Any advice would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[Richok]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Yes it is a V4.<br />I have a 1979 85 Evinrude and it runs good. Mine was similiar to the situation you are looking at except mine had set for ten years. The gas was run out prior to sitting so when I did start it it fired right up. If you do get it one thing I would do is pull the spark plugs and put oil down the cylinders and let it set a few days before you start it. I would drop the lower unit and change the pump.Setting that long and not knowing where it was run I would use the whole kit. There is a lot of guys here that can give you better advice than me, but this worked for me.<br />Good luck

 

[steviecops]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Thanks Richard, I'm tempted.<br /><br />Steve

 

[bubbakat]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Steviecops I am currently running a 1976 85 h/p evenrude every time I can get to the water.<br />That thing is stronger on the low end torque then its 135 sister of the same year.<br />I am currently running it on a 16 ft bass rig weight gear and all around 1000 lbs and with two men aboard it will run 39 mph on the gps and turn 6000 rpm easily.<br />Iboats has a sale going on and am thinking of changing my prop from a 17 pitch to a 19. I do believe that 85 can handle it.

 

[DJ]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Fantastic engine. Strong and tough as nails.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

There is nothing that sounds any better then an 85 rude tuned right at the break of dawn riding across the water tying every knot on every stroke.<br />I think I'll go start mine so I can smell some two stroke burning.

 

[steviecops]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Sounds good. I think I'll have a go at this one. From questions I've asked, I get the impression that there is no spark at the plugs and that's the reason for the non starting.<br /><br />Thanks for the opinions<br />Steve

 

[JasonB]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

I run a '76 Johnson 85 and it has never failed to get me home. It dropped a power pak one morning, but still ran on 2 -3 cylinders to get me home safe. It's a thirsty motor, but pushes my 16' tri-hull to about 40mph.

 

[steviecops]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Still trying to make up my mind.<br /><br />I'm a bit worried about the no spark issue. I know it could be something simple like the switch, but what are other possible problems that could cause no spark?<br /><br />Could this turn into a money pit?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Yes it could turn into a money pit. Make sure you get a compression test. That will give you an indication of the condition of the components that count.

 

[steviecops]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Thanks SoLittle<br />I plan to test the compression, and if the numbers don't come out good, I won't touch it.<br /><br />I was wondering about electrical components that I might have to replace. I know a if the sensors are shot, a new timer base is big bucks. Things like powerpack and coils, I don't mind replacing, but if it's the stator or timer base, then I probably wouldn't be interested. Is there any simple tests that can be done to establish this?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Check the resistance across the timer base coils (two) and the stator - they will SOMETIMES act up even if the resistance is correct, but not often.<br /><br />If it's the pack, question is why it went? Check that the four spark coils are good, & that the stator isn't throwing junky 'spikey' voltage at the pack. Also, JReeves mentioned that stray voltage sneaking in through the remote control box used to kill those 1973-77 PP4 packs.<br /><br />The 85s are a good reliable motor, virtually same displacement as the 115 and 140hp, so nice conservative state of tune with a stout midrange. They will push harder than the '85' rating would suggest. The downside is that they'll suck fuel like you wouldn't believe, as compared to the 50-60 twin and 55-75hp triples.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

You can search the archives here for the correct resistances, and JReeves comments on the stray voltage from the control box.

 

[steviecops]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Thanks Ledgefinder.<br /><br />The fuel consumption is something that I hadn't even thought of. I'm currently running a 55hp twin, which gives me about 22 knots, and it is as you say, good on fuel. That is a consideration when you are paying about $8 a gallon as we do over here!<br /><br />I'll research the resistances as you suggest.<br /><br />Thanks again<br />Steve

 

[JasonB]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 85.

Fuel economy isn't great, but isn't horrible. Pushing my 16' tri-hull, I get 1.5-2 miles/gallon.<br /><br />As a side note, this moter is roughly 92.x cubes where the 115 and up were 99.x cubes.<br /><br />When mine had no spark, a new powerpak fixed it. and the others are right, for an 85, it pushes harder than you would expect.