1969 Evinrude 25hp sportster doesn't idle

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I'm looking at a 69' Evinrude sportster 25HP that only runs in FULL throttle(doesn't idle), Owner says it's a carb throttle body problem! Fairly easy fix? Or is it something else? Thanks!
 

racerone

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Only some trouble shooting will tell the story.----So do a compression test.-----See if spark will jump a gap of 5/16" on both leads.-----Do those before handing over the coins.
 

F_R

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Seems like if it was an easy or cheap fix, the owner would fix it before offering it for sale. Seems like it would bring a better price.
 

jimmbo

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I'm looking at a 69' Evinrude sportster 25HP that only runs in FULL throttle(doesn't idle), Owner says it's a carb throttle body problem! Fairly easy fix? Or is it something else? Thanks!

How do you know it only runs at full throttle, did you see it running on a boat in the water?
 

tomhath

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Is he asking the price of a fully functioning motor? If so, you need to perform the checks already mentioned and see it run.

Otherwise make it clear that you're buying a motor as is and the price should reflect it (i.e. a parts motor).
 

Crosbyman

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Seems like if it was an easy or cheap fix, the owner would fix it before offering it for sale. Seems like it would bring a better price.

f.r all true

but I am still amazed at how a lot of boaters don't know or don't care to tend to anything beyond 30-40-50 years & because a lot of modern mechanics dont or won't touch old stuff… incl. simple cracked coils and points

maybe this 25hp from 50 years ago simply needs a good carb clean on the low speed side of the carb after the basics … like compression and ignition are taken a close look at …

gem or anchor that is the question !
 

racerone

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Shops only get paid for completed jobs.-------On older motors they can spend a lot of time on a motor only to find that parts needed are not available.----Then half finished ( time sponge ) jobs clutter up the bench / shop / storage shed.---Few will pay a shop for the attempt / half done repair on old motors.---New motors are a much better source of revenue.
 
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I found this on Facebook MARKETPLACE, I type "25 Evinrude" and it comes up as 1969 Evinrude Sport 25 HP boat motor, in Lansing Mi.about 50 miles from where I live! I talked to him and said " would rather get another motor than try to fix this"! I have COMPRESSION TESTER and know how to use! Carbs I have knowledge in! New coils ect.(COST I don't know)!
 

racerone

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Coils are cheap at $25 each or less.----1969 was first year of the 25 HP 22 cubic inch motor.-----Wonderful motor if in good condition.
 
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Seems like if it was an easy or cheap fix, the owner would fix it before offering it for sale. Seems like it would bring a better price.

Actually, I was asking if this problem would be an "easy fix"! Sorry I worded it wrong! Owner doesn't want to try fixing!
 

jimmbo

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Shops only get paid for completed jobs.-------On older motors they can spend a lot of time on a motor only to find that parts needed are not available.----Then half finished ( time sponge ) jobs clutter up the bench / shop / storage shed.---Few will pay a shop for the attempt / half done repair on old motors.---New motors are a much better source of revenue.

That's why a lot of shops(at least in Edmonton) ask for a few hundred dollar prepay(about 2 1/2 hr labour) when taking in an older motor in for service.
 

jimmbo

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Actually, I was asking if this problem would be an "easy fix"! Sorry I worded it wrong! Owner doesn't want to try fixing!

It might just be a gummed up carb. Relatively cheap fix, but it might be more. Without the motor in front, any suggestion is, just guessing.
 

racerone

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Easy fix if you know what is wrong.----But it could be carburetor adjustment or scored piston.-----People invent wonderful / new ways to destroy outboard motors all the time.
 

oldboat1

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"All it needs is...." (similar to "ran when last used")

Buy it as a $40-$50 parts motor. Might end up as a runner. Be nice if you could get compression numbers first.
 
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"All it needs is...." (similar to "ran when last used")

Buy it as a $40-$50 parts motor. Might end up as a runner. Be nice if you could get compression numbers first.

I talked to him(yesterday) about the motor! Not mechanically inclined! He has had a few guy look at! 1 offered $40, the other $150 to be used as a parts motor! He insists this is a HIGHLY sought after motor(really!) and wouldn't even take $150! Well I said thanks and NO! If I wasn't 80 miles away I'd go over there and check the compression at least! Thanks!
 

jimmbo

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He insists this is a HIGHLY sought after motor(really!) and wouldn't even take $150!

Highly sought after? Sounds like a used car salesman. I myself prefer the later(post 77), larger displacement 25hp, but some people do like the 22" version.
 

racerone

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The 22 cubic inch is one of the highest hp motors for its weight.------Has the same wrist pin bearing as a 125 HP model.----Same center main bearing as a 40 hp motor.-------So yes some folks like them.
 

54bobby

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The 22 cubic inch is one of the highest hp motors for its weight.------Has the same wrist pin bearing as a 125 HP model.----Same center main bearing as a 40 hp motor.-------So yes some folks like them.

i sure do love mine. had her since new. dad paid 625 bucks for it. still have the factory carton
 
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