Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

[davecarroll]

Ok, so here's the deal. I inherited a mercuriser cajun with a 1985 force 85 on the back. The boat used to run great, but unfortunatly got wet(not fully submerged, but good enough), then sat for the last two seasons with no winterization. It ran on the trailer after it went under, but hasn't run in the last two seasons.

I want this thing back up and running. At the same time. I found a guy who has an 84 Force he's parting with real cheap. I'm thinking it might not be a bad pickup just incase the 85 is too wasted from all it's been through, or i need parts.

Are the two of these engines the same? What are the major differences?

Also, if you were me...what would be the steps you take to get original motor back in action?

 

[ck85abc3]

Re: Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

1. check compression.

2. clean carbs.

3. rebuid fuel pump.

4. check for spark.

5. make sure motor is timed right.

6. change impeller.

7. Test drive.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

You said it ran after getting wet that should have lubricated the crank and so forth to some degree.
If your certain water got into the engine I would seek the advice of a professional outboard mechanic!

Remove the propeller for saftey.
I put an ounce of outboard oil in each cylinder let it set for awhile and turned the engine over by hand with the plugs out and the battery disconnected to lubricate the cylinders and to make sure the engine wasn't stiff.
I looked at all wiring for corrosion, cleaned and tightened all wires and grounds.
Put in new sparkplugs.
Cleaned and the carbs.
Took out the thermostat put the cover back on so everything get's flushed good with water!
Made sure the lower unit is full of oil.

I then doubled the oil in the fuel as if doing a break in on a new engine after cleaning the fuel tank and rebuilding the fuel pump.
Make sure the battery is strong before trying to crank engine.
Put the engine on muffs and attempt to start, if it doesn't start pumping pretty quick with the thermostat out shut the engine down and find out why.

This is the way I started two of my engines, one had sat in a wood pile for who knows how long. I ran it for three years.
The engine I have now had set for 12 or so years outside and I've been running it on and off for three years now!
My engines didn't get wet, this may make a difference on the starting procedure!
Get other opinions and decide what is the best method for bringing your engine back to life!
Good Luck!

 

[boatradioman]

Re: Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

check how the 84 works and if it works better I think it would be cheaper just to buy the 84 and do something with the 85.

 

[Dave K.]

Re: Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

dave, first off welcome. i have a '84, 85hp and am not qualified to answer this question. i can tell you that there were 6 models made in '84 & 8 models made in '85. if i had to guess, i would say the motors are identical. from my very limited knowledge, the motors really didn't change until merc took them over in the early 90's.

Frank A. & Jerry Jerry are experts & can tell you definitly as well as many others on this forum that are Very Knowledgible. Look for their posts & ask them if you're still not sure. davek

 

[maxum247]

Re: Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

How did things turn out with getting the motor running?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

The motors should be the same. If the older one works use it and when you have time work on the other one.Jerry

 

[maxum247]

Re: Difference between 1984 and 1985 Force 85HP?

bump!