1979 - 85hp johnson

[TerryH]

I just picked up a cheap 79 motor that is 85hp. I got it to replace my 70HP 1980 motor which is a good motor but seems a little sluggish when the boat is fully loaded with people and gear. It runs good but takes a longer time to plane out under those conditions.<br />The 2 motors are similar, but the 79/85hp has 4 cyl. and is a little bigger bore. The 80/70hp is a 3cyl. The power trim/lift seem to be a lot differant though.<br />The guy said it ran good and just started having problems he thought with the carb. system. My thoughts on this was gummed up, bad gas ect. since I see this a lot on here.<br />My question: what else should I look at while I have it on a stand and the time to tinker with it. OR- should I even think about changing the motor out. The plate on the boat says it can accept up to a 100hp motor?

 

[Mod2]

Re: 1979 - 85hp johnson

I got rid of the other posts Terry. Looks like this is the one you want to keep.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 1979 - 85hp johnson

Terry - You didn't tell us anything about the boat that you are thinking of putting the 85 on. No matter - The V4 is a big step ahead of the 3 banger for power. Go for it if the 85 checks out. They are a workhorse.<br /><br />Make sure that you have a marine guy, preferable a marine mechanic checkout the 85 before you drop any cash in the seller's hand. The marine guy needs to check the compression and gear case at a minimum. It is almost a must to have a water test but you can take a risk if everything else checks out. If you can't get a water test make sure you have the seller run it on the muffs.<br /><br />Beware of what the seller says. We get a lot of posts from guys who made their buying decision on what the seller said. It goes something like "Well the seller said that it ran great last season. It probably needs a tune-up now." And then the tales of woe follow. I tend to be a trusting guy but with buying stuff I have learned that if the seller can't demonstrate it to ignore what the seller says and discount my offer if I am interested at all.