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85 HRS Johnson with Hydroelectric shift - need help

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bbeausy

New member
So I’m someone who recently inherited a glastron boat with a hydro electric drive, along with its 85 horse motor (Model #:85ESL75E). I’ve been hoping to get it running to take my mother out with me, as my tiny 12 foot is not made for 2. The throttle cable has been gnarled along with the electrical components in the hydro electric shift being fried. Would anyone have an idea on how I could get this boat running without putting a fortune into it? I don’t work with boat motors much, but would like to begin
 
Not possible !!!!!!------Hydro-electric shift box only has a throttle cable and no shift cable.-----A 1975 ( IF it is a 1975 ) has a shift and throttle cable.-----Hydro-electric shift was last used on 1972 models !-----So post a few pictures so it can be made clear as to what you have.------If control box is marked----" powershift II " ----That is NOT an electric shift at all.----Those 1975 model 85 HP motors are a sweet runner if in good condition.
 
I was working at a dealer in 1968.----Trust me , a 1975 model 85 HP is NOT electric shift.----Perhaps motor has the wrong model # plate.
 
racerone said:
Not possible !!!!!!------Hydro-electric shift box only has a throttle cable and no shift cable.-----A 1975 ( IF it is a 1975 ) has a shift and throttle cable.-----Hydro-electric shift was last used on 1972 models !-----So post a few pictures so it can be made clear as to what you have.------If control box is marked----" powershift II " ----That is NOT an electric shift at all.----Those 1975 model 85 HP motors are a sweet runner if in good condition.
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https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wGmx69AihxcXaOe_Wy1J6lwkjHj2PLbW?usp=sharing
Here are a few photos, the boat is close so i could always get more. As seen, throttle cable is snapped near motor. From my understanding, the motor was not intended for the "electric drive", but this is really why i wanted to post here for help. I know that the motor had run sometime last year with a high idle. From what i hear, they are awesome motors and to me, it appears to be in rather good condition. However, i dont much work on boats. Ive got a 6hrs 72' Johnson that never quits kickin.
 
racerone said:
I was working at a dealer in 1968.----Trust me , a 1975 model 85 HP is NOT electric shift.----Perhaps motor has the wrong model # plate.
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Also entirely possible. Its a very He said she said kind of deal, which is what has stopped me touching the thing at all.
 
The motor is a 72 model !!!!----With electric shift.-----Nothing wrong with electric shift.-----A very well engineered / simple / reliable system.----The fault with a 72 model is the ignition system.
 
racerone said:
The motor is a 72 model !!!!----With electric shift.-----Nothing wrong with electric shift.-----A very well engineered / simple / reliable system.----The fault with a 72 model is the ignition system.
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Do you have any recommendations on how I could get her on the water? Or would it not be worth the money?
 
Post pictures of the back of engine / cylinder heads.-----It appears that midsection parts were changed out to hook up single cable steering.-----Do a compression test and post the numbers.----Check that carburetors are clean.---Test shift system.------Check for strong spark.-----Assemble the control box.----Shift switch ( $$$$ ) appears to be missing.-----Start it up.----If it runs good install a new impeller.------Your location ?
 
That motor in 72 left the factory with the Hydro -Electric drive !!!----And 72 was the last year of electric shift on these outboards.
 
racerone said:
Not possible !!!!!!------Hydro-electric shift box only has a throttle cable and no shift cable.-----A 1975 ( IF it is a 1975 ) has a shift and throttle cable.-----Hydro-electric shift was last used on 1972 models !-----So post a few pictures so it can be made clear as to what you have.------If control box is marked----" powershift II " ----That is NOT an electric shift at all.----Those 1975 model 85 HP motors are a sweet runner if in good condition.
Click to expand...
I just got this old boat , must be a 72 but has 75 on registration which is obviously not an 75 , haven’t used it yet just cleaning it up and need any info I I know very little about boats , I’m learning thxs for any info
 
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