Evinrude 35hp -1959 hard to start.

k650

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 15, 2010
Messages
39
Hi all.

I have mounted new coils, points and condensers on my engine, both cylinders have 100 psi in compression. But it is hard to start, i bought this engine from a storage that belongs to the swedish navy. The engine has not been in use sine 1979 and has been used for about 10 hours since new. I have also changed impeller and all seals in the lower unit cause they were dry and hard.

Maybe i need to adjust the timing, and if so, how do i adjust it on these engine?

Regards,
Fredrik
 

kfa4303

Banned
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
6,094
Re: Evinrude 35hp -1959 hard to start.

Hello Fredrik. In what way is it difficult to start? Does it seem as if it is starved for fuel, spark or both? The compression sounds good, but there are a few other items you can check. The first would be the spark. It should be able to jump 1/4" (7 mm) gap with a bright blue spark. You should be able to find a gap tester at any auto store. Be sure you're using 7mm COPPER CORE spark plug wires with Champion J6C plugs while using a 24:1 fuel/oil mix (5.5. fl oz to 1 US gallon of 87 octane gasoline)(sorry I don't know the metric conversion :/). Also, modern, automotive spark plug wires will not work properly with these old ignition systems. Makes sure that you twist the new wires onto the coil posts, rather than simply poking them in place. Once a good spark is confirmed, you can move on to the fuel system. I believe your motor has a fuel pump, if I'm not mistaken. There are several simple tests you can run to see if the pump is still working properly. Start by squeezing the primer bulb leading from the tank to the motor. It should get very firm. If it does, that's a good sign that the fuel pump is probably ok, however if the bulb fails to harden, your fuel pump may be damaged. Some models of the pump can be rebuilt, while others cannot. You can also briefly disconnect the fuel line leading from the pump to the carburetor while motor is running to see if fuel is being pumped out of the line. I actually install a small fuel filter in the line between the fuel pump and the carb. Not only does it filter the fuel, but it also allows you to see the fuel flow coming out of the pump itself. It's a very handy modification that can eliminate a lot of guess work and helps keep the fuel clean. You will probably also need to clean, or rebuild the carburetor for good measure as well. That's really all there is to these old motors; compression, spark, fuel. Be sure you only run the motor on the water, or in a test tank with water filled to about and 1-2 below the main exhaust port on the back of the motor. Here are some links and pics that may of be of some use. Keep us posted.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/v...evinrude-johnson/ITEM_2978/ITEM_297800001.htm

http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repa...hnson 5.5 HP 1954-1964 Carburetor Tune-UP.htm

http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repa...on 3 HP 1952-1967 Ignition System Tune-up.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZmr9gasfH4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5QigeJq-z0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3VqBoc_vx8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGWgeBXZuxo&feature=related
 

k650

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 15, 2010
Messages
39
Re: Evinrude 35hp -1959 hard to start.

Hi.

The spark is blue and powerful and when squeezing the bulb it gets firm as you mention. When i get the engine to start it runs ok on idle but when opening the throttle it "kicks" one every time. I am thinking of the timing......and the strange thing is that if the engine stops it is hard to start again.
 

nwcove

Admiral
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
6,293
Re: Evinrude 35hp -1959 hard to start.

id do a proper carb cleaning/rebuild as it should have been done to a carb that hasnt been in service for over 30 years anyway.
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: Evinrude 35hp -1959 hard to start.

The timing is not adjustable on your motor, the flywheel is keyed to the crank.

Go through the carb as mentioned, sounds like it may be running a touch lean. What did you torque the flywheel to upon reinstallation? Hopefully the key did not shear. Not a hardware store key is it?
 

k650

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 15, 2010
Messages
39
Re: Evinrude 35hp -1959 hard to start.

Hi all.

I have ordered a rebuild kit for the carb, hope it will help :)

Thanks for all your advices.
 
Top