johnson 85 need some simple help

[mikecar007]

I just got a Johnson 85el77s for next to nothing. And I know that it is a 1977 85hp outboard. Aside from that is it a two or four. I don't see anywhere to add oil. And I hooked up the gas tank from my suzuki 85 which you have to mix oil and gas for and it wouldn't run. When I ran straight gas it ran so does that mean that it is a four stroke. I'm not sure that is why I'm asking before I blow the motor. Thanks for the help...mike

 

[jegervais]

Re: johnson 85 need some simple help

That's a 2-stroke. Fuel/oil ratio is 50:1.<br /><br />-John

 

[mikecar007]

Re: johnson 85 need some simple help

thanks, I really appreciate the help, you must have one of these also huh? Are parts hard to find for these dinosaurs. Well it's not that old but I imagine anything older than me would be hard to find parts for...

 

[jegervais]

Re: johnson 85 need some simple help

Nah, don't have one, but I've worked on a few... Parts are fairly available. Don't expect to find complete gearcase, powerhead or trim assemblies - maintenance related parts and most major internal parts are still around.<br /><br />-John

 

[novacane]

Re: johnson 85 need some simple help

4-stroke engine will run with little or no problem with 50 1 mix just a tad smokey ,long peroids of idle time can result in fouled plugs <br />so the mix wouldnt be your greif one way or another

 

[oldboat1]

Re: johnson 85 need some simple help

I have a '70 85hp Evinrude (actually just sold it), and it was a good runner. I had very good luck with OMC TC-W3 oil for the 15 years I had it. Use a 50:1 mix, erring a little on the side of a little more oil perhaps -- but not much, because too much oil just fouls the plugs. I never found parts to be that much of a problem either, and now with the internet you should have no problem at all. It probably won't be particularly easy on gas, and will probably do best on the highest octane.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: johnson 85 need some simple help

Wait -- I guess the TC-W3 stuff doesn't go back 15 years. But buy the best and most current stuff from OMC (Bombadier??) or Mercury, on my view, to keep it running best.

 

[Ross J]

Re: johnson 85 need some simple help

Hi mikecar007<br />I run a 1976 85hp Johnson and have had a great run thus far. I enjoy the maintanence side of things and this baby is easy to look after. There's not too many fancy gadgets there. As said run it a fraction rich on oil, keep the spark gaps at .40 thou and stay away from the idle screws. These bueaties don't like to run slow for long. Alas I have to at times but always give it a blast last thing.<br />Good luck and happy boating.<br />Ross