I am the new owner of what I believe is a 1978 model of the 85 HP Evinrude V4. I say 1978 because there is a sticker that has the spark timing which says "1978 85 HP spark timing" on the intake cover. Obviously the intake cover could have been replaced, but this motor seems mint and all original. I have not done a compression test on it yet, but it seems to be in very good shape.<br /><br />I have two questions about it. <br /><br />1) The starboard jugs (block, whatever you want to call it) run much hotter than the port jugs. I have not run it more than 5-10 minutes at a time, so it is possible that it could even out after running a while. Could this be caused (and a normal condition) by the internal porting of the water flow? Or is this something I should be concerned about? By touch, I would estimate that it is a 50 degree or so difference. By internal porting of the water, I mean does the water hit the port side, cool it, then run over to the starboard side (already warmed by the port side) and then exit out of the motor? Or could I have a blocked water port somewhere internal? One other thought I have is that perhaps the two sides are running at different richnesses? That does not seem likely though. <br /><br />2) When I first got this motor home and tried to crank it, the starter would drag (slow whump-whump-whump when turning key to start) and the pinion would hang on the flywheel. I let the battery charge overnight (brand new) and thought maybe that was it. The next morning with a full charge, the starter did the same thing. At some point while trying to turn it over, I heard a weird sound, then it turned the motor over normally and it started. Could I have a bad solenoid? Starter? Is this a common problem? The starter has done this to me once since then when I ran it out of gas.<br /><br />Before I put this motor on the water, I will likely get a service manual, etc. and check it out thoroughly, but it seems to be a strong motor, in nearly mint condition as I said. The factory paint is still there and is almost spotless. It would kill you folks if I told you what I got the boat and motor for...!<br /><br />Thanks for any recommendations anyone can give me!
