different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

[timsmcm]

I was wondering if you can put a newer head like an 86 or 87 year model so I can get to the thermostat easier? It looks like the same bolt pattern just the location of the thermostat is different

 

[bktheking]

Re: different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

Yes you can do it, blocks were identical, the change was the location of the stat housing.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

Yea, that lower thermostat mount was a huge pain in the ***. I can't believe those idiots designed it that way. I had a 1984 15 last year that was in need of a thermostat and I ended up having to pull the head to replace it.

 

[bktheking]

Re: different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

Probably the easiest way to do it Zeph, it's pretty tight, I think it can be done if you remove the cowl latch. This is my 83 9.9 with the later powerhead and later stat location as described. The later models also had a black flywheel, this is the older flywheel from 83. Almost everything is interchangable up until 92 I believe.

 

[timsmcm]

Re: different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

Thanks gentlemen I am glad to hear it I am going to look on ebay and see if i can find some parts to do this exchange. I cant stand the way it is right now. I did a thermostat change last summer and almost shat my loons trying to make this work without pulling the power head. Not going to go through this again.

 

[bktheking]

Re: different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

If you do do the swap, change the o-ring out where the stat is as they get hard and don't seal. Make sure you buy one where the cover is actually removed and you can visually see the bolts removed, those bolts seize and break off and are difficult to remove (had to drill 1 of mine out). Much better design than the old one.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

Hey, nice lookin little 9.9 there bktheking. Did you buy that new? Looks like it's been very well cared for. Yea, you're right, you just about have to remove the latch to get that t-stat housing off. I removed the head, because I also wanted to check things out inside too. I had the old motor given to me, because the guy got it hot and discolored the head. It scored the pistons a bit, but fortunately, it didn't affect the way it ran. So......after just buying two gaskets and a thermostat, I sold it and made $500.00 on it.
BTW I love your avitar at the bottom of your messages.

Oh well, I have two really nice motors now that I just had given to me a couple months ago. Both of these have been pretty well cared for, but sat out for many years. When I got them, they were covered with a nice green coat of algae. LOL So I cleaned them both up and put new impellers and gearcase oil in them. I'm looking to buy a nice mid 80's smoker craft or sylvan to put the 25 on, when I sell my house and get moved and possibly finding a little aluminum jon boat for the 6.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Have a safe and Happy New Year

 

[bktheking]

Re: different head for a 85 15 hp evinrude

That 9.9 was a $60 piece of junk I bought from a lad here in town who said the powerhead was locked up, it was a rusted piece of scrap inside and I got the lower unit in pieces. The powerhead was replaced with one from an 88, a sail lower from an 88 and all new paint, it didn't look anything like that when I got it, this was what it looked like:

Amazing what a little time and money can do. I did the same as you, picked up a dirt cheap motor, cleaned it up and flipped it for $600.

And ya the avatar is some good humour in a world gone to the dogs, I'm glad you like it