1998 Evinrude 115

[Paul Witt]

I just bought a used boat this season. It has a 1997 Evinrude 115. Any problems or concerns I should have? Seems to run great, but others have told me to be aware Evinrudes around this time, before they were bought out.

[DJ]

Witt,Your engine could be a crossflow or a looper. Do you have a model number? Hint, look on the mounting bracket for a tag with mod. # and serial #.If it's gone this long, trouble free, you're OK.

[62_Kiwi]

Hi Witt1997/1998 was before they got complicated with the Ficht introduction and so the Evinrudes were pretty standard then (same as Johnson). I have a 1997 Evinrude 115 60 degree looper - no problems except for some starting issues earlier on. Overall a comparatively good simple & reliable outboard.By the way, welcome to iboats ! We've just been talking about North Carolina in the "White Lightning" thread under "Nothing to do with boats".

[bp21]

Hello Witt:I have a '98 90 hp rude, probably the same engine as yours. The 90s and 115s were very similar. I disconnected my oil injection and now premix. I have had no trouble with mine. It has proved to be very reliable. With proper maintenance, I think you will be happy with your engine as well.

[Paul Witt]

Thanks for the info. Do I need to disconnect the oil injection? I thought this was just on earier motors.

[OBJ]

Hi Witt...The newer VRO systems are very reliable. If it were me , I'd take the rig to my friendly neighborhood mech and have the alarms for the vro system checked and make sure they are operating. I woudld also ask him to check the system for leaks to make sure the system isn't sucking air. I know many boaters with VRO systems and they have had no problems with theirs. You have a good engine there with a proven block. Treat it good and it won't let ya' down.Jim....(pro VRO)

[bp21]

OutboardJim is correct. These engines were pretty reliable with the VRO. I disconnected mine for peace of mind. It only cost me around $50. I consider it insurance against a failure that my alarm might not have indicated until it was too late. Good luck.

[Paul Witt]

Thanks for all the help. This is the best boating forum around.

[plugger]

i have a 1999 johnson jpl 115factory rig on a 17 ' makois that the looper?it has a systems check cycle at every turn of the key.am i not corect in thinking it would alarm if the auto feed of oil was halted

[Paul Witt]

If I'm not mistaken, the system check when you first turn the key on, is only checking the lights themselves, not the entire system.