Model/Serial number help

I have a Johnson 85hp with model no. 83995R and serial no. J0001707. What year is this motor?

83995R ? I think you'll find that number to be 85995R which indicates the engine is a 1979 85hp Evinrude, not a Johnson.

Thanks for the info. The number was kind of scratched and looked like an 83 but it must be an 85995R. How did you figure out it was a 1979?

I'm going to have to explain the year to my husband so can you tell me how you knew it was a 1979? He thinks its an '83 (or '85). Thanks for your help.

Joe has lists of these numbers ! Although I suspect he knows most of them!

Anything from 1980 onwards follows what is known as the "INTRODUCES" code for the year identification letters so it is obviously pre 1980

You'll find explanations and model number lists at http://www.skoterskroten.com/img/arsmodellstabell.pdf

There are also model number guides in the parts section of the Marine Engine website Follow the links on this page http://www.marineengine.com/parts/parts.php

Damaged plate on transom bracket? Look on powerhead for a quarter size core like a small freeze out plug). It may also have the model and serial number imprinted upon it.

As Vic explained, the engine is a pre 1980 model due to the design of the model number as per Vic's second sentence.

There is no such model number that starts with the number of 83.

Model number 8599R is explained as:

85 = horsepower

1st 9 = Last digit of any year between 1970 to 1979, in your case = 1979

2nd 9 = No idea, lost track of that one. Usually prtains to short shaft/long shaft, something of that nature.

R = Factory production run, of no consequence.