Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

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ultimatepedigree

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I know that the 1988 is a different displacement from the 1987 225 but will it bolt up correctly without to much of a headache I seen a powerhead I can buy but its an 87 and I have an 88 and seen that most places offer 88-91 as compatible.
 
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Dhadley

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

Yep, it's done all the time, a couple of small changes to make but no big deal. If it were mine I'd rather rebuild the 3 liter (88 model) if it's rebuildable.
 
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ultimatepedigree

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

What small changes? Anything to the lower units shafts, mid section etc or is it all just powerhead accesories because I will just take everything on my motor and put it on the 87 powerhead if so. I just started messing withoutboards 2 years ago so still learning mainly have worked on cars. Is it difficult to install new rings in the 225?
 
j_k_bisson

j_k_bisson

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

Why do you need rings? What is your compression numbers?
 
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ultimatepedigree

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

When I went to replace gaskets I realized that the pistons were actually able to be moved by hand in the cylinder but by the looks in comparison with a car motor I would suggest in the 70s. The previous owner was knowledgable and warned me the motor is tired but I would rather have it fresher then that since I will be planning on going 10-15 miles out in the atlantic. When you can see the play in a piston its usually the sign its time for the rebuild. Again I am not to familiar without board could be wrong.
 
j_k_bisson

j_k_bisson

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

The only way you can tell if you truely need a rebuild is to tear it down and do a complete measurement check of the cylinder bores, pistons, ring gaps. If there is no scoring in the cylinder walls, and you have 80-95psi compression on all cylinders, that is without a 10psi spread from highest to lowest, you should be good with the motor.

Weather it is a ticking time bomb ready to go at any moment is only answered by measuring everything. But if you get into it you may as well re build it.

Also there are electrical components that go on these motors more often than the compression numbers do..... FYI
 
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ultimatepedigree

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

Thanks I appreciate the help bc I have seen a lot of used 1986-87 powerheads available for about $1200 including shipping but have only seen 1988-91 as rebuilds at around 3k with shipping and with a kid on the way my old lady is not ok with that kind of expense. I dont mind the loss in displacement as long as I dont have to buy new shafts, electronics, carbs, etc to get this motor to work.
 
Faztbullet

Faztbullet

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

Why spend/waste $1200 on a worn out used powerhead?? You may be buying one in worse shape that what you have, good compression dont mean much....
 
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dehydrated

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

lower units are the same .you spend 1200.00 for a tired motor you will have that in parts easy makes 3000.00 look pretty good deal for rebuilt motor with warranty just my .02 worth especially going on the ocean.
 
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ultimatepedigree

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Re: Is a 1987 Evinrude 225 Powerhead compatible with my 1988?

I guess I will start with a complete tear down and see how verything looks internally, if not so bad I will do the rebuild as a winter project as to not rush it. Thanks for all the help guys I appreciate the advice.
 
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