looking for information/opions on 1990 185hp johnson

bleedblue94

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 11, 2010
Messages
272
i am looking at switching out my current 1983 175hp johnson for a 1990 185hp johnson i have found locally. reasons i am considering it are the charging system upgrade (10 amp on the 175 and 35 amp on the 185) along with the power upgrade since i believe the 175 is crank rated while the 185 is prop rated.

model is j185esxess
serial is g02552975

i have not gone to see the motor yet, but can you guys tell me from the model/serial is this a looper or a crossflow motor? am i correct in the basic improvements regarding the power increase and the charging increase? any other information you guys can give me on this motor? i see it was only in production for a short time so that has me slightly curious

obviously i would be giving the motor a solid going thru before purchasing, but if it is in good condition what would be a fair price for this motor?

thanks guys
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,618
Re: looking for information/opions on 1990 185hp johnson

can you guys tell me from the model/serial is this a looper or a crossflow
It is a looper and weighs about 100lbs more than your 175 and possibly has power steering. Pricing depends on condition and if used in salt/brackish water check the steering swivel real good for corrosion.
 

bleedblue94

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 11, 2010
Messages
272
Re: looking for information/opions on 1990 185hp johnson

Thanks for the reply. I should have specified its a fresh water motor. He is asking $1500 for the motor, controls, gauges, and it comes w a stainless 19p prop.

Also the 175hp has a 17p prop on it and I already was planning to drop to a 15p for this year to get my rpms up, so would I be wrong to assume that the 19p on the 185hp would also have to be swapped out or is that something ill just have to wait and see about once its on the boat?
 

bleedblue94

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 11, 2010
Messages
272
Re: looking for information/opions on 1990 185hp johnson

Also do you have any general feedback on reliability, the charge system, or anything else given the info I've provided? Just trying to decide if I should buy it and change over to this motor.
 
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