1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

[sabbathkeeper]

Where to start?<br /><br />Free gift from best friend. 14 1/2 ft. speed boat w/ 85hp Evinrude. Boat mfg unknown!<br />85hp Evinrude M# 85853A, S# E01822.<br /><br />

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<br /><br />History he got was - ran 5 years ago, hasn't been run since. Previous owners son was gonna fix it up - got tired of waiting on him.<br /><br />I bought the engine repair manual and parts manuals. Needs battery, new fuel line (fuel tank condition unknown), new wiring harness. I'm planning on new plug wires and possibly new stator. I found an aftermarket amp for about $200. I also found a carb rebuild kit. I haven't ordered any parts yet. I've been waiting for the time to check compression. <br /><br />Today, I tried the test using a pull chord. (Good battery not easily accessably - Long Story - vehicle got stuck in the lawn - not fun). Anyway, only got 30 on #3 for the first pull. Tried again and got 59. Best results were #1-62, #2-60, #30-60, & #4-59. I'm hoping that adding oil to the cylinders as well as using a battery and the starter would give me better results. <br /><br />I fear that an engine rebuild is in order. I think my wife jinxed me by saying "You do realize that boat won't be ready this summer." <br /><br />I guess what I want to know is if rebuilding the motor would be worth it. I don't have the $ for a new motor. This is my first boat and I hate to give up on a possibility. What do you guys think?

 

[KYHunter2]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

If it sat and dryed out . You should get better compression , if you oil it up.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> Oil it up and retest, your compression may be fine.<br /> <br /> Good - Luck,<br /><br /> KYHunter

 

[JB]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

For using a rope on a dry engine and one turn those numbers are not alarming.<br /><br />Oiling it will give better results, as will turning it with the starter, all plugs out, at least 5 turns. <br /><br />My guess is that it does not need an overhaul. New impeller, gearcase grease and plugs; clean carbs and a tune up by the book and she should be fine.

 

[sabbathkeeper]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

Thanks KYHunter2 and JB!<br /><br />Great news. My friend will be happy to hear this. I was hoping that I wasn't crazy with the oil and starter thing. Looking forward to trying again. You guys are giving me courage and hope.

 

[KYHunter2]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

Just a note: I really love the old motors. Be it in my vehicle or on my boat .<br /><br /> I'm allways looking out for old Johnny/Rudes to mess with.<br /><br /> Let us know how things go. <br /><br /> You get that old gal goin right , and she'll last longer then we will.<br /><br /> Good - Luck,<br /><br /> KYHunter

 

[floatingwoody2006]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

Hey Sabbath.. Is your name a reference to sabbathday lake? If so im sure i will see you on the lake if you get her going..It would be tough to miss that "red Baron" on that lake. Looks like it would really cruise when you get her running right..Good luck!

 

[alden135]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

85853 is a 1968.

 

[sabbathkeeper]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

Thanks Alden, <br /><br />Oops! My bad. I really did know it's a 1968. Just had a birthday and must have lost a few more brain cells. Very good catch tho.. <br /><br />Yo Floatingwoody2006, I'm actually in central ME. Altho, I'm gonna look for Sabbathday Lake on the map. Maybe I'll put in there anyway. I would like to check out lots of the lakes in ME, and so would my family (when the boat is ready). <br /><br />Did I mention that after the motor is running, I've got work to do on the boat: seats, steering, windshield, stern box, instraments, ect... then I'm gonna paint it to match my red truck. Whew! My wife might've been right.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1969, 85hp, manual shift - low compression

Sabbath, remove the plugs, tilt the motor as high as you can get it, block it there, put between 1/2 to 1 ounces of Marvel mystery oil in each cylinder. let it sit 24 hours. then lower engine before you turn it over hang an old towel over the plug holes, as it is going to blow the oil out, can make a mess. now test you compression. we say not to turn and engine over without water, as it will ruin the impeller, but you will have to replace it any way.