1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

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Jun 11, 2011
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Im looking at purchasing a boat and found one on craigslist in my town. The Boat looks like it is in good condition but the owner states the engine will crank and start but will not stay running. He also told me one cylinder has lower compression i am waiting on a reply back as to how low it is. Here is a link to the ad.
http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/boa/2432883923.html

Do you guys think it is a major problem? Its only 900 for the boat and motor which i believe is a great deal. Let me know
Doug
 

Daviet

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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

The low compression could be a major problem, are you capiable of doing a major overhaul yourself?
 
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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

Im am going to find out the difference in compression between the cylinders and go from there. If it requires major overhaul ive only worked on cars, never boat engines. What is normal compression for this engine and what would be a major difference? Like 120psi in all and 100 in another?
 
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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

Ok just got a call back, 3 cylinder have 115,2 have 110 and the last one has 60. What would cause the low compression? A bad head gasket possibly?
 

Daviet

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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

The minor differences could be a head gasket, but the 60 lb cylinder is a major problem. You would need to pull the cylinder head and look at the damage.
 
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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

even though the deal seems tempting im probably going to pass. I dont have any experience with boat engines and a engine alone will run me quite a bit of money. How much do you think this engine is worth?
 

wilde1j

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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

60 is bad. No way to know the cause w/o some dis-assembly (like remove head on the side w/ low compression). Could be a head gasket, or a lot worse. Head gasket would be a very lucky deal. If it were me, I'd keep looking elsewhere, unless you have lots of spare time and money. We're talking a rig over 30 years old with motor problems. $900 would not be a great deal if you have to put 1500 to $2000 more into it. If you look at this one, look for evidence of overheating, among other things. The engine is worth very little not running.
 
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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

Well im probably going to go check it out anyways, what would be signs of overheating on it? Discoloration of the heads? Also what would be the worst case senerio of this engine having low compression? Im not sure what even causes that.
 

jonesg

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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

Do your own compression test, don't take anyones word.

But its a 1969, the transom and stringers are shot unless they have been replaced already.
Its worth ....something, but not $900.
 
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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

what are stringers? I know the transom is the rear of the boat where the motor mounts.
 

emdsapmgr

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Re: 1978 Evinrude 150hp problems

If the current owner would not mind, I'd ask to pull the low compression head. If the head gasket has a broken seal ring on that low compression cylinder, you might have a cheap repair.
 
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