1987 vs 1975, 70hp Evinrude

SkeetSkeet

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May 10, 2012
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First Post! Hello all, this is my first post but I've been using this forum for almost a year to answer many of my boating questions...so, Thanks!

I own a 70hp 1987 Evinrude VRO and have really never had any issues with it, but I know that thing is a literal time bomb as to it having a major problem down the line. I was running around Craigslist today, and came across a 1975 70hp Evinrude (pre VRO) that a guy is selling for $150 as parts motor (crank shaft seals are going out). Looking at the pictures, the engine looks exactly like mine on outside but have not seen it in person to see what it looks like underneath the hood. My question is, how many interchangeable parts will these two engines have if I was to buy it as a back up parts motor? If something ever was to go wrong, it sure would be nice to have this thing sitting in my barn to steal parts off of if they would match up.
 

Chinewalker

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Re: 1987 vs 1975, 70hp Evinrude

Although similar, there are a lot of subtle differences that would prevent much of anything being interchangeable. Lower units are different (opposite shift patterns) carbs are different, ignition is different, etc.

How do you know your '87 is a time bomb? Does it have any issues?
 

SkeetSkeet

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Re: 1987 vs 1975, 70hp Evinrude

Good to know! Heck, my '87 might just keep running forever, but I say it's a "time bomb" because the guy I bought it from said he ran it hard every other day for the past 15 years and it seems like something will eventually break. Maybe not though...
 

Chinewalker

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Re: 1987 vs 1975, 70hp Evinrude

Something can break on ANY engine, new, old - doesn't matter. Running frequently is not a bad thing - nothing kills a motor quicker than sitting unused. Running hard is not a bad thing - if it's propped correctly to reach proper RPM.

I'd run it 'til something breaks, then deal with it.
 
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