what year 9.9 should I buy

[jloch]

Hi, I have been looking for an outboard and
these old johnson/evenrude 9.9's seem to be very solid motors.
If I were to buy one in the 1974-92 range what year(s) would you recommend?
Is it true that 74-76 ignitions used points?
Any info is much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[kodibass]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

Everything you ever wish to know about which would best suit you/your boats needs can be found at leeroys ramblings. its an Outstanding compilation!

 

[F_R]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

I was a full-time mechanic in an Evinrude dealership during those years and I can tell you that we couldn't keep the '74-'76 9.9 & 15hp motors running one weekend on certain boats, especially sailboats. Neither could OMC, the factory coming out with several kits that were supposed to fix them. None of them did. We'd install the kit and return the motor to the customer on Friday, and Monday morning it would come back. Actually, we quit selling them by 1976. Didn't much matter, the sailboaters all knew about them by then and wouldn't buy one on a bet. There was a big surge in British Sea Gull sales though. I changed vocations in 1978, so can't testify about the newer ones.

OK, now you guys that have a running '74 can go ahead and say your peace. I'm just saying what I've experienced.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

I've got an '85 15 and it's a real gem.

 

[kbait]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

The 9.9's your looking for have the same powerhead and weight as a 15.. You may want to find a 15 since there's no cost in weight.

Ignition was indeed a weak point on those points motors ('74-'76). If you have no lateral play in the armature plate, and have the clean points set correctly, they work fine. B7HS NGK plugs work best in those motors. Bring extra plugs/wrench along just in case they foul, but are usually ok if the rest of the ignition system is correct.

All that said, I'd find a '77 or newer w/CD ignition if I were looking..

Good luck!

 

[the machinist]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

Of all these series of motors, they kept improving them right up until the change over to the new style in large block/plastic shrouds in 93. With that said, the 92 would be the best of all, but to broaden your search, I would look for a 87 or newer which has the cable throttle system, (a lot more user friendly).

 

[Jim311]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

I'd get 95 or newer myself, easy to work on. If you can't find those an 80s motor.

 

[the machinist]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

To each his own.
But I have owned MANY from 74 to 92, recently used a 92 for a number of years, rebuilt it & a 94, thinking that would keep the 94 because of the "improvements", however after running the 94 for a couple of years, decided the 92 was for me.

Yes, the later post 93 motors are easier to work on because of the removable sideskirts. And ths shifting is more centrally located, but if you have a electric start, it is a PAIN IN THE A-S to be sure the push button is aligned with the inner contact button, & then to be able to reach the button in a hurry as it is buried somewhat. And for making a carb idle adjustment, the cowling needs to be removed.

A plus is, they do have a flushing plug.

 

[Patate]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

I have two 1990 9.9hp and one 1989 15hp, nice small engines I think tey are from the "good years"

 

[JDusza]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

+1 on power to weight ratio. Same weight, more power. Some waters are restricted to 10 hp. Re-eval if you can use / want a 15.
J

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

I know my '73 9.5 wasn't mentioned and were big changes to the '74 9.9 but my 9.5 has never had a problem. Bought new in '73 and still original points, fires up 2nd or 3rd pull every year!

 

[JDusza]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

p.s., don't count on the idle adjustment on the side of the engine case to do squat. I think they were put in as a future cost-down to make the chief engineer look good.
imho,
J

 

[boobie]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

I agree with what F_R said about the '74-76's. I've also been there. OMC called that ign system "Low Tension Ign" but all they did was give you Hypertension. :grumpy:

 

[dkonrai]

Re: what year 9.9 should I buy

I agree with what F_R said about the '74-76's. I've also been there. OMC called that ign system "Low Tension Ign" but all they did was give you Hypertension. :grumpy:

i have one that is a parts motor now.... could never get it running nice. i would say nothing later than 85 or 86. stay away from the plastic carbs, and the power pack under the flywheel
just me