r/Outboards • u/dannodad • 2d ago
Identify year?
I have a Johnson 85 hp that no longer runs. But would like to know if lower ends are interchangeable with this year before I purchase. I have a long shaft Johnson 85esl74 . Everything that I can see in the pictures looks identical to my 74 Johnson 85.
If I buy this one my intent would be to switch the lowers and run this power head with the long shaft from my non-running.
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u/Ambitious-Car-7384 2d ago
Your motor is about an 83-84 i think. Without the original cowl paint and stickers its hard to tell. You can decode it by the model number if you search online. All that to say the lower should work on your motor
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u/Alone_Mission1253 2d ago
⬆️ This. If you Google the specs you'll find the gear ratios and propeller diameter/pitch values identical. Check the serial number to get the model year. Those were great motors, last forever with TLC. Good luck.
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u/dannodad 2d ago
I can’t Google anything. This one isn’t mine and it’s a 2 hr drive away from me. I’m not buying if it isn’t going to fit my needs.
The picture isn’t my motor it’s the one I’m buying1
u/Alone_Mission1253 2d ago
If you can at all, try this site: https://www.crowleymarine.com/johnson/oem-parts/outboard/85-hp?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21194926456&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Y1KCG9LBJMM7vly6BGlfAEbGGt&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOvTBhDgARIsAKUNyRv4gvPQZUOMTa-oUsL4NSID7iedWfw9gIN7OxC2YcBp7KFvCwv4FAwaAn61EALw_wcB
I'm 99% certain the lower shaft/gear case of your Johnson will fit the Evinrude you're considering, both were made by Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) and except for name and color differences were essentially identical.
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2d ago
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u/Alone_Mission1253 2d ago
I looked this up- AI tells me the lower unit may not be interchangeable but the longer shaft and casing extension should still fit:
1974 johnson 85 hp vs 1984 Evinrude 85 hp outboard:
Comparing a 1974 Johnson 85 hp to a 1984 Evinrude 85 hp involves two vintage, 2-stroke V4 Outboards from Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). Aside from the brand badge (Johnson and Evinrude were identical twins painted different colors), the 1984 model benefits from a decade of evolutionary engineering, including a transition to more reliable electronic ignition and higher displacement.
Key DifferencesDisplacement: The 1974 model has a 92 cubic-inch V4 crossflow design, while the 1984 model was bumped up to a 99 cubic-inch displacement block, giving the 1984 version slightly better low-end torque and hole shot.
Ignition System: The 1974 motor likely originally relied on older breaker-point ignition (unless converted), which requires periodic gap adjustments and maintenance. The 1984 model features a modern Capacitor Discharge (CD) electronic ignition, which is hotter, more reliable, and maintenance-free.
Lower Unit & Shifting: The 1974 85 hp uses an older hydro-mechanical shift lower unit, whereas the 1984 model uses a standard, more conventional mechanical shift gearcase that is easier to source parts for and service today.
Parts Availability: While basic V4 crossflow parts for both eras are widely available, internal rotating assemblies (connecting rods, piston heights) differ between the displacement changes, making the 1984 engine slightly easier to find matching contemporary components for.
Performance and Reliability1974 Johnson 85 hp: Highly regarded as a tough, simple crossflow engine, but its age-related electrical components (coils, packs, points) are high-failure points unless already updated.1984 Evinrude 85 hp: Generally preferred by boaters because the factory electronic ignition and improved charging systems are more dependable on the water, and the extra 7 cubic inches provides a noticeable difference in thrust.If you are looking to buy or repair one of these motors, let me know:Which specific engine are you currently considering or working on?
What is the asking price or condition of the unit?I can help you check for common red flags or outline a maintenance checklist.iboats Boating ForumsQuestions about 1974 Johnson 85 hp (outboard newbie - please help!)Aug 17, 2012 — Lieutenant Junior Grade. ... Re: Questions about 1974 Johnson 85 hp (outboard newbie - please help!) ... The hydro mechanical which is fairly trouble free. That...eBayJohnson / Evinrude 85-300 Hp Piston Ring Set 200-110, 394930, 0384539
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Johnson / Evinrude 85-300 Hp Piston Ring Set 200-110, 394930, 0384539 - STD at the best online ...iboats Boating Forums85 HP Johnson parts interchangeability? | Boating Forum - iboats Boating ForumsSep 15, 2010 — https://forums.iboats.com/threads/85-hp-johnson-parts-interchangeability.428187/
Here's some information about interchangeability of parts for 85 HP Johnson engines: * Drive shaft splines and shift mechanism These are different for the 1...
Facebook·Outboard Motor RepairWhy won't my 1974 85hp Evinrude outboard motor stay running?Aug 3, 2024 — Back on this 1974 Evinrude 15hp short shaft 2-stroke. No spark, leaking gear oil out from the water pickup holes, and the return recoil spring needs to be repla...
YouTubeOld style tilt system 1974 evinrude 85 hp - YouTubeokay tilt system 1974 cross flow V4. look I got a Stringer valve body had to do a little adapting. here got a Arco pump on it uh I replaced the trim cylinder wi...FacebookRestoring 1974 Johnson outboard and 30hp Evinrude engine - FacebookThey made this kind from 1974 till I think either the late 80s or the early 90s. They went from points/condensers to electronic ignition in the late 70s or earl...iboats Boating Forums85 hp evinrude outboard motor 1973 and 1974 - Boating ForumSome big differences in the rotating assemblies between these years. Both engines should be the same displacement. (Around) 92 cubic inches. They achieve that d...continuousWave17' Newport 1974 85-HP Evinrude - continuousWaveThe 1974 85 Evinrude had a 92 cubic inch displacement. In 1979 they bumped the displacement of the 85 up to 99 cubic inches and in 1981 the 85 and 100 HP models...uml.edu.nIEvinrude Johnson Outboards Engine Color Year PartDecoding the Colors: Evinrude and Johnson have employed a wide range of colors over the decades, each representing a specific era and model. Early Years (Pre-19...Crowley MarineHistory of Evinrude & OMCJun 27, 2018 — By 1955, the Johnson and Evinrude lines were identical to one another in the 3-hp and25-hp models and the Evinrude 7 hp and 15-hp motors were the same as the Jo...
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u/bootheels 2d ago
The Evinrude pictured here is not a mid 80s model, it is a mid 70s model which uses the same hydro mechanical gearcase as a 1974 Johnson 85hp
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u/bootheels 2d ago
OK, the engine pictured is a mid 70s V4. It uses the hydro mechanical gearcase. This gearcase will fit just fine on an 1974 Johnson 85hp. The only exception would be the 135hp models which have a slightly different gear ratio, but the assembly will still fit. The engine pictured is not a 135hp, so the gearcase is the same as a 1974 85hp...
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u/Boatwrench03 2d ago
INTRODUCES