1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

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Bubbasboat

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I have a chance to purchase this 85 hp Evinrude Model # 85999c for $800, does include a boat, don't want it but will have to deal with that. I am told it is a good running motor. Will see and hear it run prior to purchase. It works as a good replacement for my shot 74 Evinrude 115 Starflite currently on the boat.

Is this a reasonable price for this motor in good running condition?

I have not seen the motor in person yet, but from the one photo I currently have, my concern is the apparent oil accumulation I see on the mount and high on the motor. I have requested better photos.

As always, I welcome any and all information someone might like to offer up!

85 hp 1979 Evinrude Model # 85999c Ser #.jpg
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

First of all it looks like a 78, well the cowl is. There are major difference between the two years. 78 had 92.6 cu.in. displacement while 79 was 99.6 cu in.
The oil accumulation you see is most likely from oil residue from gas dumped from the carbs when the motor is tilted.
Is it worth $800? Only you can decide that.
 
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Bubbasboat

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

I am verifying with owner that model # is in fact 85999 as that is the 79, 85899 is the 78. Possible easy mistake, I could do that without glasses. Hope it's the 79 with higher cu. Thanks for oil info, just cautious as I blew the lower seal on my 115, among other things!! Worth $800, your right, I need to decide that!! I want back on the water, two years off would be just too much!!!! I will check it out though before purchase!

jimmbo said:
First of all it looks like a 78, well the cowl is. There are major difference between the two years. 78 had 92.6 cu.in. displacement while 79 was 99.6 cu in.
The oil accumulation you see is most likely from oil residue from gas dumped from the carbs when the motor is tilted.
Is it worth $800? Only you can decide that.
Click to expand...
 
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emdsapmgr

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

model identification 2.jpgI agree with jimmbo, the cowling is not a 79, but earlier. The 79 cowlings were a later design/appearance. They had gone to the dark blue metallic paint on them in 78 and 79 model years. Both the 77, 78, 79, 80 cowlings used a raised metal strip (applique) for the letters-"EVINRUDE" and the hp rating "85." Coolbri introduces the fact that the decal on the lower unit in the first picture shows the number 1517 cc. That means the engine is probably no larger than a 92 cubic inch block, which has to be a 78 or older-and either an 85 or 100 hp block. The Evinrude gold color was used in years 76 thru 78. Not sure just where the cowling side decal came from. I'd want to see what the casting plug on the top of the block says-to match it up with what's on the serial tag on the transom bracket. (see picture.) Both have the serial and model number and should identical. The interesting thing is that it has the later model power trim unit, first introduced in 1977 on the 140 hp engines and all of them in 1978. If the engine is a good runner and the trim works, lower unit does not leak-it could be a good buy-once you really find out what the engine is.
 
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kenmyfam

kenmyfam

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

No matter the year if it is in good shape after the usual checks and tests then it should be a decent investment for the price. Normal haggling will indicate if the seller will go lower.
See "Top Secret Files" for what to check for. If still questions after that then post away.
Good Luck.
 
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Bubbasboat

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

Boat Photos of info plates 003 2.jpgWOW!! Yes, the glasses again. 76 has a model #85693. So this could be a 76, 78 or 79, except the cowling is wrong for the 79 as is the lower unit #. 79 saw the cu increase, were 76 and 78 both 92.6 cu? My 74 115 has a lot of gold on it. See photo.

emdsapmgr said:
View attachment 227224I agree with jimmbo, the cowling is not a 79, but earlier. The 79 cowlings were a later design/appearance. They had gone to the dark blue metallic paint on them in 78 and 79 model years. Both the 77, 78, 79, 80 cowlings used a raised metal strip (applique) for the letters-"EVINRUDE" and the hp rating "85." Coolbri introduces the fact that the decal on the lower unit in the first picture shows the number 1517 cc. That means the engine is probably no larger than a 92 cubic inch block, which has to be a 78 or older-and either an 85 or 100 hp block. The Evinrude gold color was used in years 76 thru 78. Not sure just where the cowling side decal came from. I'd want to see what the casting plug on the top of the block says-to match it up with what's on the serial tag on the transom bracket. (see picture.) Both have the serial and model number and should identical. The interesting thing is that it has the later model power trim unit, first introduced in 1977 on the 140 hp engines and all of them in 1978. If the engine is a good runner and the trim works, lower unit does not leak-it could be a good buy-once you really find out what the engine is.
Click to expand...
 
jimmbo

jimmbo

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

the 85hp from 1969 - 1978 was 92.6. your 74 115 is a 99.6.
 
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emdsapmgr

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

The brochure posting pretty much clarifies the year. Looks like the 78's came in two color schemes, either a gold or a dark blue metallic.
 
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Bubbasboat

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

Where do I find these "Top Secret Files"?

kenmyfam said:
No matter the year if it is in good shape after the usual checks and tests then it should be a decent investment for the price. Normal haggling will indicate if the seller will go lower.
See "Top Secret Files" for what to check for. If still questions after that then post away.
Good Luck.
Click to expand...
 
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racerone

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

Check compression before laying out the cash.---Install a new impeller before leaving a dock.
 
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SilverSS07

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

racerone said:
Check compression before laying out the cash.---Install a new impeller before leaving a dock.
Click to expand...

+1. Can you water test it on the current boat before buying it?
 
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Bubbasboat

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

Yes, figured compression test would be good idea, just put my compression tester in truck tool bx.

Hadn't considered impellers but will replace them for sure, makes sense, spend a little now, save a lot later!!

Any other parts besides plugs I should also consider just replacing once I but it?

racerone said:
Check compression before laying out the cash.---Install a new impeller before leaving a dock.
Click to expand...
 
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emdsapmgr

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Re: 1979 Evinrude 85 hp Model # 85999c $800 is this high or low?

The top secret files are found in the first post on page one-at the top of this forum.
 
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