1968 Starflite Queries

[andrew j cox]

hey guys, i have a 68 starflite 85 hp its going onto my 68 15foot boat, can you get power tilt for these or trim n tilt?
I have heard you can convert ignition to car system anyone have the gossip on these? I love the engine such anold classic id just like to make it run good , im amputee couldnt manually lift engine.

 

[racerone]

Power tilt was an optional item for that model.

 

[F_R]

There has been lots of discussion about converting them to automotive coil ignition. I'm still waiting for a report that it was truly successful / reliable. In theory, it should work, but the dwell is wrong and those motors had a lousy distributor, which you would still have to use.

 

[jimmbo]

A 1968 85 Starflight would have a CD system with distributor under the flywheel

 

[andrew j cox]

Yes cd on mine, also power tilt, bronze michigan prop

 

[F_R]

Agreed, it is CD, with breaker points. The points is what tempts people to try to do away with the CD amplifier and use a car coil.

 

[racerone]

Post # 1 asks about power tilt.-----Post #5 appears to say that it already has power tilt.

 

[oldboat1]

Depending on your capabilities, if the power tilt works you could adjust the trim manually. Tilt it up, set the trim/thrust rod, then tilt back down.

 

[jimmbo]

With those engines, your prop choices are pretty pathetic. Very small diameter, for the HP(actually smaller dia than the 33/40 hp). A 23:20 gear ratio results in very low pitch props.

 

[andrew j cox]

I hadnt recieved motor when post one went up, i got it sight unseen

 

[andrew j cox]

As the tilt is a prestolite set up, a 82 suzuki has prestolite trim tilt same rams, why cant i fit the second ram and change pump over to chrysler set up which have trim tilt and re plumb it?

 

[jimmbo]

If you can make it fit, and not compromise the integrity of the transom/swivel bracket, or the transom securing system... That generation of engine was not engineered in any way to have a power trim system. OMC didn't make provision for Power Trim until 1973. Fortunately 1968 was the last year of production for your engines design, OMC abandoned it in 69 for a much more modern V4.

Specs for your 68:
89.5 cubic inches
85hp @5000 rpm
WOT range 4500 - 5500 rpm
Gear Ratio 23:20


Parts for it are getting harder to find and expensive. Carb gaskets are very hard to find. Inlet needle and seat are about $75 ea., there are 4 of them in that carb.

 

[racerone]

The 68 model 85 only has the one float valve !!------Not the same as the 68 model 100 HP carburetor !

 

[Roberthill]

I converted one years ago don't remember what year but it was a 75 or 85 hp Evinrude. Used a Voltswagen coil , set points at .019 , wired condenser out side of points location also had to change and use different spark plug J6 I think . Motor did not run as good using power pack but it was good enough .

 

[Roberthill]

Double post

 

[jimmbo]

The 68 model 85 only has the one float valve !!------Not the same as the 68 model 100 HP carburetor !

Damn. That’s correct:watermelon:. Thank you racer for catching it
My mind was focused/distracted on how the 68 85hp made its 85hp @ 5000 rpm, yet our 1965 90hp made its 90 hp @ 4500, 500 rpm less. Both were 89.5 displacement. The 90, like the later 100 did have the 4 bbl.

 

[racerone]

The 64 / 65 model 90 hp both used the 4 barrel carburetor.-------Displacement might be the same as the 68 model 85 HP motor, but the block / crankshaft was totally different !

 

[jimmbo]

I never said they were the same block, just displacement, bore and stroke were identical, carb was different and reeds were arranged differently. But I found/find it odd that the 90 produced 5 more HP at 500 fewer rpm. Maybe the extra carb flow allowed a denser charge to get to thru the induction system. Too bad I can't get the porting specs to see what differences there were between the two

 

[racerone]

How about the number of seal rings on the crankshaft ?

 

[jimmbo]

So they totally sealed the crackcase for each cylinder, equalizing the volume. I do recall seeing the crank with the filler blocks in an illustration in the 1964 90hp owners manual, but in the 65 manual it showed the correct crank. I assumed it was a revision on the production line between the years. Never took a 64 apart, took my dads 65 apart a few times