1957 Evinrude 18 throttle control question

JRWomack

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Apr 23, 2012
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Okay, so I paid too much, but it was a really fresh restoration of a 14' 1957 Crestliner fishing boat with a 1957 Evinrude 18 Fastwin. All looks great and showroom new, even the trailer. I watched it run at the lake and it purred like a kitten. Now it's at my house and I noticed that the pointer on the steering handle grip doesn't line up with the throttle control plate. To be more specific, the pointer does not point to "Stop" when the idle stop screw is against the stop. Also, when its rotated to the "Fast" position it doesn't quite get there (shift lever in Fwd).
I've looked for diagrams that may point to a problem, but haven't found one with enough detail. I have a feeling that something isn't clocked quite right, but would like some advice before I start experimenting.
Thank you in advance for any advice.
 

lindy46

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Nov 27, 2008
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Re: 1957 Evinrude 18 throttle control question

Don't worry about the pointer position - they are notoriously inaccurate. What is important is that when the throttle twist grip is all the way down toward stop, the carb butterfly should be fully closed. When fully advanced toward "fast" the carb butterfly should be wide open. There is a procedure called "link and synch" which may need adjusting, but I wouldn't monkey with that unless the motor isn't running right.
 

JRWomack

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Re: 1957 Evinrude 18 throttle control question

Don't worry about the pointer position - they are notoriously inaccurate. What is important is that when the throttle twist grip is all the way down toward stop, the carb butterfly should be fully closed. When fully advanced toward "fast" the carb butterfly should be wide open. There is a procedure called "link and synch" which may need adjusting, but I wouldn't monkey with that unless the motor isn't running right.

Thanks Lindy46 for your prompt response. It's great fun to hear from experts. I'll check the carb butterfly as you suggest. I'm a big fan of "If it isn't broke, don't fix it". I'll go to stick it in the water and learn a few things. (I hope I'm doing this forum thing right). Thanks again.
 

JRWomack

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Re: 1957 Evinrude 18 throttle control question

+1. Those marks are just a ballpark refernce. As long as she's running right and pumping lots of water, you're good to go. Here's a great link for any future tune ups, or repairs you may need to make to that old gem. Any pics?

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/columns/max/index6.htm

Thanks for the reference link. I do have a couple of pics. I found the boat on consignment at a classic car lot, Boat motor components were media blasted and painted and all soft goods replaced . Trailer was sand blasted and painted with new wheels, tires, bearings, etc. The boat was painted and, if you can tell from the pics, the bottom was polished to a mirror finish. The benches are stained and look like furniture. Inside was refinished with a non-slip coating. I wish I could take credit for the workmanship, but can't. I'll try my level best to respect the restorer's skill and keep it this way.
 

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JRWomack

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Joined
Apr 23, 2012
Messages
4
Re: 1957 Evinrude 18 throttle control question

+1. Those marks are just a ballpark refernce. As long as she's running right and pumping lots of water, you're good to go. Here's a great link for any future tune ups, or repairs you may need to make to that old gem. Any pics?

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/columns/max/index6.htm

Thanks for the reference link. I do have a couple of pics. I found the boat on consignment at a classic car lot, Boat motor components were media blasted and painted and all soft goods replaced . Trailer was sand blasted and painted with new wheels, tires, bearings, etc. The boat was painted and, if you can tell from the pics, the bottom was polished to a mirror finish. The benches are stained and look like furniture. Inside was refinished with a non-slip coating. I wish I could take credit for the workmanship, but can't. I'll try my level best to respect the restorer's skill and keep it this way.
 

kfa4303

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Sep 17, 2010
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Re: 1957 Evinrude 18 throttle control question

WOW!!! Great find! You'll be the coolest lookin' guy on the lake for miles around. Beware, you got a chick magnet on your hands there :) Happy Boating! Vroom-vroom!!!!
 

lindy46

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Nov 27, 2008
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Re: 1957 Evinrude 18 throttle control question

Beautiful! If she's mechanically as good as she is cosmetically, you won't have much to do to her.
 
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