1978 85hp Johnson weight & compression?

[ctgmopar]

I am looking at an 85hp 1978 johnson. Compression is 120 on all cylinders. Is this good for this engine. Also what is the weight of the engine?...it doesn't have tilt & trim. Thanks...p.s. I am trying to decide whether to get this 85hp or a 1979 115 johnson w/ tilt & trim. Which is the preferred motor by all of the pros here? Is there a big weight difference? This will be going on a 17ft deep vee galaxy bowrider. I don't want to overdue the weight but the boat is rated up to 125hp. thanks all

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson weight & compression?

The 1978 85HP motor weighs 292 Lbs with manual tilt or 312 Lbs with PT&T.

The 1979 115HP weighs 288 Pounds with manual tilt or 301 lbs with PT&T.

For either year add approximatel 5 pounds if the motor is an extra long 25" (X) model.

The 1978 engine is one of a kind. The 1979 block is fairly standard through most years 1979 and up, so parts are much more available.

 

[ctgmopar]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson weight & compression?

Thanks Ezeke, I guess that means you suggest the 115 is a better choice than the 85? I was concerned with the tilt & trim. Not sure if it works & didn't want to get into any major rebuild issues on that. It seems the pricing on tilt trim parts are very expensive. The 85 you mentioned is 1 of a kind...so is that something to steer clear of? Thanks, Chris

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson weight & compression?

The 1978 engine is a little risky because it's not the same block as any other year, so parts are harder to get. All other things being equal, I would take the 1979 over the 1978 any time.

The 1979 PT&T is not as difficult as you think, the units are the same as the later two wire PT&T, just have three wire motor and a solenoid control rather than a relay control.

 

[ctgmopar]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson weight & compression?

Thanks Ezeke. The 79 didn't work out...way too many issues. Have to keep looking.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1978 85hp Johnson weight & compression?

In 1978 the 85 hp block was 92 cubic inches, smaller than the 115 and 140 which were 99.6 cubic inches. OMC standardized all their V4 blocks at 99.6 cubic inches in 1979.