Is a 185 a good idea?

[Jprevat]

I recently blew out a cylinder on my 1986 140 looper and while looking for a replacement I came across a 185 with good compression but will not start. Current owner says that it needs a power pack.

I don't think he knows it uses twin packs.

The motor was on his boat when he bought it and he immediately repowered, rather than try and figure it out.

I have tried some google-fu but have been coming up pretty empty.

If any of yall have any info to share I would really appreciate it. He only wants $200 for it as it sits.

 

[jbcurt00]

Whats the boat you want to hang the 185 on, rated for?

 

[emdsapmgr]

I ran a 1979 200 for many years on a Hydrostream. Loved the engine. High revs. Basically the 200 was a 149 cubic inch block, but ported to a 235 (high) ported block, but in flatback configuration. 1984, OMC changed the way they rated hp. Went from crank ratings to prop ratings. Well the 200 of 1979 wound up a 185 in 1984. Same exact engine, but re-rated. The 185/200/235 did have the rubber intake filler blocks, 1 5/16" carbs. It did have dual power packs which always ran fine for me, the power (582138) packs in 1979-1984 were unlimited rpm packs. This engine used the 150/175 heads. I wish I still had the block, as I'd like to see what it could do with a set of small bore 235 heads.

 

[jimmbo]

When it was a crank rated engine it was called a 235. It is a 160 cu in crossflow engine, rated 185 @5250 rpm. WOT rpm range 4750 - 5750. It appears to have been marketed only in 1985, in 86 it became a 175.

 

[Jprevat]

Thank yall for the info. I am definitely intrigued by this engine as I have never come across them before. The fact there are tuning opportunities is making me want to go for it.

This motor would be going on a 1974 Mako 20 that I have been restoring. I am pretty sure I have a max hp rating of 200.

 

[Jprevat]

Sorry guys yall already answered my question.

 

[Faztbullet]

They make a 185 looper also usually a 25"lenght......

 

[Jprevat]

Hmm looks like ill need to get a model number. I am going to look at it tomorrow. It is not on a boat but I would prefer to try and get some kind of compression numbers instead of just taking the guys word for it.

By manually turning the crank on a cold motor will any numbers I get benefit me or is this a lost cause? Should I spray any kind of oil in the cylinders before hand?

 

[jimmbo]

They make a 185 looper also usually a 25"lenght......

You're right. I missed that, What stuck in my mind was when OMC went to prop rating, the Two Thirsty Five dropped to 185.

 

[Jprevat]

You're right. I missed that, What stuck in my mind was when OMC went to prop rating, the Two Thirsty Five dropped to 185.

Lol I'm guessing the range on my boat will drop significantly?

 

[Jprevat]

Ok so it is the 185 looper in the 25" flavor. There is some pitting in the foot but I don't see any leaks. It turns over freely by hand but every cylinder had decent compression, as far as the finger over the hole test goes. All of the wires look ok and it has all of the pieces.

I'm thinking if I can get it for $200 it would be a good deal. It does need new power packs.

Am I on the right track?

 

[Jprevat]

Well I went to take a look at it and the guy had it stored outside, under a tarp, with the cowl off, and no spark plugs in the heads. Too many unknown factors for me.