Have an older 200 Evinrude..is it possible its a 1978 with 1985 heads?

[WA-Newb]

Hi all...

I am hoping you all can tell me what is going on with this 200 Evinrude I have as I have had such mixed responses from my sale listing I don't know what to think anymore...lol

Had one person email and tell me it's definitely a 1976-1978 based on the ignition system...he was a marine mechanic.

Have had a few people tell me it has great compression...others have said it was terrible.

Here are the numbers I can find.

Soft plug on top:
392868 (I have found threads saying this same plug number is found on OMC seadrives to 200 XPs)

Power packs:
0320787 (Shows they are from the late 70's)

Heads: (Shown in the parts section to be for a 1985, 150,175 or 1785 and also have the low compression head gasket available)
328324
328325

Here is a quote from emdsapmgr regarding these heads and compression...
Here are some 200 compression readings on various factory heads: 200 low compression bathtub heads 324/325 fresh overhaul: 75-80 lbs. Same heads after breakin: 85-95. High compression 200 early stock 456/457 heads: 110-115. You may even have the low compression (thicker) factory 389489 head gaskets installed which will further reduce compression readings.

If you need photos let me know.
Thank you and hoping I can get this figured out finally.

 

[emdsapmgr]

The part number 320786 is not a part number for a power pack. Bombardier calls that part number: "cvr pwr pck case". If it is a power pack cover, then it's likely the engine has the older style screw-terminal power packs, (with covers) which were on the early crossflow V6 engines, from 1976 through 1978. I don't see that cover part number listed for any of those year engines, however. The power packs were re-designed in 1979-eliminating that cover. The part number 392868 does not come up in the Bombardier list of consumer part numbers. Possible it is an internal casting number only-not for consumer use.

 

[WA-Newb]

Thanks for the heads up on the part numbers..I didn't think of it possibly being a cover but that makes sense.
I have found others with this same soft plug number and they were stumped with it as well so guess I will forget about that one.

Based on what I have found on the block..those stamped numbers and the head numbers do you think it would be safe to assume the following?

My guess...
This motor is a 196-1978 that had a power head replaced in 05 12 1994 (based on the stamped numbers on top of block) with a power head that was from a 1985 200 (again based on stamped numbers on top of block)...and the heads are low compression heads (324/325) which means the current 92 psi is indeed good compression for this setup?

That's what makes sense to me..but I have no idea how interchangeable the power heads are etc.

Thank you for your time

 

[WA-Newb]

I just saw a message notification so went and had a look..I can't believe the post I tried making on this subject awhile back actually showed up and you had replied to it...I am very sorry for not continuing with hat thread but I really thought the thread didn't even post.

Ever since the site was updated lat year or whenever I have had a real, real hard time using it to post..I always get DB errors..critical errors or timeouts...this thread took me about 2 hours to sit and refresh..wait..check on etc. before I saw it actually posted

 

[emdsapmgr]

Very possible that the powerhead was replaced and the person that did it used all the original ignition components. That's ok, as those components should work just fine. It is unlikely that your block is a 1985 200, as the 200 crossflow from 1983 became a 185 crossflow in 1984 and 1985. (due to change from crankshaft ratings to propshaft ratings at the time) The date of rebuild is probably valid. Based on the heads, it may be a 185. That's also ok, as the block should be ported the same as the older 200's. If so, it's a high port block. Not as much low end grunt, but higher rpm's capable. Ported to run up to 5750. Those high port blocks will make strong, reliable hp up to 6000 rpm's with the right carbs, intake filler blocks and heads. The 92 compression is about "normal" with those heads. I'd be looking for a set of early small bore 235 heads which will kick the compression up to around 120+ That will really wake up that powerhead.

 

[WA-Newb]

Thank you very much for the help on this...I had one guy insist this motor was just a parts motor at this time due to the lack of compression...that's what got me fired up to look into it once and for all since the previous owner had said he put a lot of money into it and it was a strong runner...just a total gas guzzler which is normal I am sure.

I really do appreciate the time you spent replying to this.

Thanks again.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Also, don't forget the 6 rubber intake filler blocks. Good for 5-8 hp. Found only on the 200 and 235 V6 engines. (different from the 4 140 V4 rubber intake filler blocks.) They have been NLA for many years, but there are still many of them laying around in marine salvage yards.