1978 115 compatibility with 1985 115

wavrider

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
543
I have an opportunity to pick up another Johnson 115 but it is a 1985, the one I have now is an 1978.
How compatible are the parts as far as interchange ability, lu, starters, carbs electronics etc etc.
Thanks for the replies,WAV
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: 1978 115 compatibility with 1985 115

To determine specific part compatibility, simply go the the BRP web page and cross reference part numbers with each other, or go to ishopmarine for the superseded numbers.
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: 1978 115 compatibility with 1985 115

I would do that just to pick up the more modern carburetors and get rid of the choke plates. If the primer is good, so much the better.

The whole system was set up for alcohol by 1985, so even the hoses are better than what came with your original engine.
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1978 115 compatibility with 1985 115

The 85 shares a lot of common parts with the 78 model. Enough that a cheap price would make it worthwhile. The 85 115 engine has some internal upgrades and will make considerably more hp. It has the high performance bubble back exhaust, intake filler blocks and the large carbs. (Taken directly from it's 140 hp predecessor.) The 78 is crankshaft hp rated, whereas the 85 should be propshaft rated.
 

wavrider

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
543
Re: 1978 115 compatibility with 1985 115

Thanks for the advice. If it works out I will pick the engine up.
 
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