1985 Evinrude VRO 60hp

[Drb007]

The search for a good, reliable motor for my daughter's Steury resto continues. I think rebuilding her 60hp Sportfour is going to end up being $$$$$.

I have a 1977 Evinrude 85hp on a boat that I will be scrapping out, but it's a solid motor.
Found someone with a 1985 VRO Evinrude (oil injector has been disconnected) with power t/t who wants to trade for me 85hp.

I know so little about outboards yet, and when I search that era VRO lots of troubles seem to pop up. Should I steer clear or would a 2 cylinder "newer" motor with t/t be a nice motor for her 15ft boat?

 

[flyingscott]

Vro is the oil injection if it's disconnected it's a non-factor you just have to pre-mix the fuel now. The 60 hp is a very good motor but make sure the lower unit is in good condition.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Am wondering why someone would want to trade a 1985 engine that probably has power trim for a 1977 model which probably does not. I'd be sure you hear the 85 run before you do any swapping. Also, check the compression on the 85.

 

[jbcurt00]

Assuming all is good w the 1985, BIG IF, then absolutely swap a motor you planned to scrap for it.

No idea why the other guy would agree to the swap though

You were going to have to pre-mix gas for the 1977 motor, so doing it for the 1985 is no big deal, UNLESS, the VRO failed and the lack of oil messed up the internals or overheated the motor.

As the 1977 was hp rated at the crank, and the 1985 is prop rated, they arent really 25hp apart. Probably closer to a 15hp difference. IMO, T and T is worth the hp drop and having power trim to fine tune the motor for all conditions, speeds and loads easily outweighs the hp difference.

All that also assumes your daughter isnt a purist that wont like the look of a modern motor on her vintage Stuery. Older cowls might be adaptable mask the newer cowl. Sometimes those mods are effective to hide the modern look of a newer outboard.

 

[Drb007]

While my daughter (and I) would probably like a more vintage looking motor (she has a 60hp Evinrude Sportfour that came with the boat but is rough), a newer, more efficient, lighter motor is not unappealing. The t/t is very appealing. The 85hp I have was never going to go on her boat. It's on an old Glastron V156 I've had forever. I figure we could paint the newer motor to match/compliment her boat and it would be fine.

What I hear you saying is he has the more valuable motor in this trade, and his willingness to entertain such a swap should bring caution on my end.
That is EXACTLY what I was hoping to learn, and I want to thank you all for your help and knowledge.

 

[jbcurt00]

More then likely, yep ^^^

But he may have the 60hp motor from a boat he no longer has or wants (sort of like you V156 and 85hp).... If its not 2hrs away, it would certainly warrant a trip over w the 85hp in the back of the truck.

Makes sure you get all the controls, wiring, cables and remote and provide him the same for your 85hp.

 

[Drb007]

He says he got a boat and put a 120hp on it and it was too much for his boat. He got the 60 and it's not enough. The 60 is on the boat now, so maybe we could even drop it in the water and run it around. And it is just shy of 2 hours away.
I hope to go get the old Glastron and drag it home in the next couple of weeks to go through the motor. Maybe there's a trade to be had.

 

[jbcurt00]

Good luck and if at all possible an on the water test should be done.

 

[bonz_d]

I have both a 1983 60hp Johnson and a 1987 50hp Johnson. The 83 has a regular pump and the 87 is VRO. Basically the same engine accept for the pumps and carbs. Have been running the 60hp for a few years and my intension is to swap it for the 87 50hp because it has tilt n trim.

I'd go look, all it's going to cost you is a little time and some gas. I like road trips, especially when they're going to look at boat parts.

BTW, I drove 3.5hrs each way to pick up my 60hp. Drove from outside Kenosha Wi to Dubuque Ia.