Evinrude question

[underwater]

I have been looking at buying a boat and the only numbers that I can find on the motor is the following: 85993<br /> e02256<br /><br />I know it is an evinrude 85hp, but what year and is it worth fixing any problems it may have....

 

[Bear]

Re: Evinrude question

#85993 85 hp = 1969 <br />I would'd put that much money in it. But that all depends on what shape it is.

 

[sonofleary]

Re: Evinrude question

We have exactly the same motor. It's had it's fair share of problems, but I can't say it has been more than any other outboard motor. In '69, OMC introduced a new "experimental" carburetor that is kind of tricky and hard to work on; I don't know exactly what the problem is (it's my dad's boat), but any mechanic would know. From what I understand, they went back to some semblance of the old carburetor in '70. I'll try to remember to ask my dad about any problems he's had in the past 32 years when I talk to him.

 

[sonofleary]

Re: Evinrude question

Here are the things I know it's been in the shop for:<br /><br />Carburetor adjustment/rebuild: 7-8 times<br /><br />Bad water pump / overheating: 2-3 times<br /><br />Shifting problems (intermittently stuck in forward): started up about 6 years ago; can't find a mechanic competent enough to fix it in this hick town.<br /><br />There have probably been a few other things along the way, but I don't really think this is all that bad for 32 years. It can be difficult to rope start if your battery ever goes dead, but a little starting fluid will usually make it fire right up.