Chance to buy a 76 85hp evinrude

[Idaho gt150]

I'll make this short and sweet. Last year I bought a gt150 with a Chrysler 85hp motor. Exhaust plate was warped. I spent a month drilling out and helicoiling a bunch of bolt. Lower unit bottom plug stripped. Carb bowl retaining screw stripped. Finally got this motor up and running mid august. Had a ball the rest of summer. My issue is that the thought of working on the Chrysler this year makes me want to go fetal. So. I have a chance to purchase a Rude. The motor I've wanted. 1976 85hp for 250 maybe lower. I haven't done any checks on motor yet. Owner says it ran great last year. (my theary is boat sellers r the biggest BSers around). Visually looking paint peeling off head and really corroded bolts on lower bolt of head cover or maybe it was the bolts on exhaust plate cover. I'm gonna head over and check compression today. Are these thing that I have seen so far a huge concern or does that happen to all v4s. Any advise would be appreciated. Love this forum and I promise to keep posting the results. Thanks. Sorry punctuation nazi I had to type this from iPhone

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Chance to buy a 76 85hp evinrude

Peeling paint on the head is a sign of an overheat problem. Probably needs an impeller. Be sure to pay attention to the compression test.

 

[Idaho gt150]

Re: Chance to buy a 76 85hp evinrude

Thanks I'll keep u posted of results

 

[McGR]

Re: Chance to buy a 76 85hp evinrude

Overall the 85hp is a very good reliable motor, I ran one for several years recently without regret. Certainly it is more serviceable than the Chrysler. Most of the common service parts are readily available for the Evinrude and less common hard parts can be found without too much trouble. Just give it a good once over before you buy. Do a compression test and check the lower unit, most other issues are easily serviced.