Powerhead Swap

W

Widcat

Recruit
Joined
Jan 5, 2005
Messages
4
Does anyone know if I can fit a Evinrude 85hp powerhead to a Johnson 140hp Seahorse leg.<br />The Evinrude has a 24inch leg and Johnson has a 20 inch leg.The Evinrude no.s are, Model no.85990R and Serial no.A344677.The Johnson no.s are Model no.140TL79R and Serial No.A648991.<br />Any help or website addresses would be helpful.
 
WillyBWright

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Powerhead Swap

The Ev is a 1978. The big difference is that the 85 is a cross-flow and the 140 is a looper. At the very least I'd have to assume the exhaust tuning is significantly different. But as to whether or not it will physically fit, I'm afraid I can't help you with that. I'm sure somebody else can. I wouldn't be suprised, but I sure couldn't guarantee it.<br /><br />If it can be done and you do the swap, please ID the motor appropriately. Don't pass it off as an 85.
 
D

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Powerhead Swap

Welcome!!<br /><br />I see both as 1979 models which are crossflows. A direct bolt on. Obviously the 85 wont have the "tuned" exhaust but will still bolt on the 140 midsection.
 
W

Widcat

Recruit
Joined
Jan 5, 2005
Messages
4
Re: Powerhead Swap

Thanks for the replies.<br />Can you tell me how to identify the motors from from the serial no.s.Did you do this with aid of a book or some other means.<br />Just to clear things up with(WillyBWright).I'm not doing this to decieve someone.The 140 powerhead has had it and I Have a 85hp extra long leg Evinrude which is to long for my boat.So I would like to use the shorter leg(19inch) of the 140 Johnson and fit the 85 powerhead to it.If I sell it at some stage the new owner will be told the FULL story.Also it will be painted and decaled appropriatly.
 
L

ledgefinder

Ensign
Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
916
Re: Powerhead Swap

As DH (expert) says, both 1979 & direct bolt on. You may not even notice a difference in power. They are both 100 cubic inch engines; the 140 has more top end, and the 85 a stouter low-mid range. If you were popping skiers up, the 85 would 'feel' like a more powerful motor.
 
D

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Powerhead Swap

On E/J motors the model number is what tells what year they are. The serial numbers dont mean a whole lot in the field. The mid sections are refered to as 20" and 25". <br /><br />If you install the 85 powerhead be sure to use the 85 carbs, All the other parts should be exactly the same.<br /><br />Good luck!
 
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