Hi Forum,
I am new to having an outboard (25hp Evinrude 1981) and whilst I’m generally mechanically minded this is a whole new ballgame for me.
I got the 25hp engine recently and advised the motor was running until the tiller broke so I couldn’t check it. I have since fixed the tiller but have been unable to get the motor to start.
I pulled the chord until my arm fell out of the socket. It was extremely hard to crank the engine more than a short hard pull. It seemed as if there was two much compression? Could there be?
I took out the two spark plugs (the top plug was new and seemed clean enough) and the bottom plug also new was covered in grey sludge (water and oil).
With no spark plugs in, when I pulled the chord, it was easier and more what I would think the pressure should be to crank over an outboard.
So, what am I doing wrong?
Is the motor seized or some other issue?
Should there be water in the lower piston or is a ‘head’ or ‘seal/gasket’ gone?
I would like to try and fix it myself for my own learning process (and save money) but if it is a waste of time will sadly default to an outboard mechanic.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you Roscoe (Hidden Valley Australia)
✅ Answers
? Best Answer
I wouldn’t be surprised if this motor had been under water. Sunk? I would immediately tare it down. I think you’ll find rusty stuck rings, maybe rusted crank and bearings, corrosion/water damage under the flywheel etc. Maybe it’s worth repairing.
Go to BRP.com parts. Find your model and it will give you a good idea how to take it apart.
Your best bet at this point is to buy a service manual.You will gain valuable information about your outboard,and be able to see if you are up to the task of doing the repairs.There’s really no excuse not to,as they only cost about $25-$30 USD.The older 25hp and 35hp engines are extremely hard to pull. The two most likely places for your problem to occur is the head gasket or exhaust cover.Spray some fogging oil or transmission fluid in the spark plug holes to prevent rust until you get it fixed.
You should NEVER find grey watery sludge in the cylinder. You will need to pull the head to find out what is wrong.
Other than that do you have fuel getting to the engine (smell of petrol on the plugs after trying t ostart.
Spark? Check in the evening when it’s easier to see it. Fit spare plug into lead & lay on block & try to start it. If no spark it could be the kill switch, safety lanyard (if NOT fitted) or dead electrics.
You’re up the road from me a bit. If you decide to give up & take it to a mechanic try Eltham Marine. Ken does a good job & doesn’t overcharge like some. (say Don sent you)