1977 evinrude 85 and 1973 Johnson 85 hp powerhead compatibility

[dweber]

Hello!

I want to put a 1973 Johnson 85hp (20inch shaft length, mod#85393m) powerhead on a 1977 Evinrude 85hp (mod# 85799s, 20 inch shaft length) exhaust housing and lower unit. From what the marine engine (.com) website says, both motors use the same powerhead gasket. So this will work, right? I've read thru a few other posts but this particular case was not covered or wasn't clear to me... 20 shaft = long shaft, right? I am aware that the crank, rods etc are different between the two motors.

Thanks!

DW

 

[crb478]

Re: 1977 evinrude 85 and 1973 Johnson 85 hp powerhead compatibility

It will work, for all practical purposes it is the same motor.

 

[dweber]

Re: 1977 evinrude 85 and 1973 Johnson 85 hp powerhead compatibility

CRB - thanks for the confirmation!

DW

 

[dozerII]

Re: 1977 evinrude 85 and 1973 Johnson 85 hp powerhead compatibility

Great choice on your fleet of boats. Love them Starcrafts.

 

[dweber]

Re: 1977 evinrude 85 and 1973 Johnson 85 hp powerhead compatibility

Thanks. Each boat has a purpose for me... I noticed that you have a 18 i/o, I have one just like it but it is a '73 with a 140m/c. I have only had these boats a short time. The new boats are much heavier and > 10x more expensive. I plan to upgrade the 160, 180 and the holiday. Probably keep the 18 i/o as stock as possible. I will post pics when I get a chance. I have been reading the starcraft rebuilds for over a year, my wife calls it boat porn. I looked at your restore thread, great job! I bought a '73 18 ss OB that had been painted by a brush by the PO. It looked really nice from a distance of > 7 ft, but up close you could see fine brush marks. It makes me think that painting with a brush may be a good alternative to spray.

DW