Wear on Evinrude 15HP Crankshaft

[Hoaggy]

I am new to outboard repair and am working on a 1989 15hp 2 stroke Evinrude (E15RCEC). I originally split the case to replace the upper crankshaft bearing because there was a lot of side to side slop on the shaft and oil was leaking past the seal. Once in there I saw ridges near the center of the crankshaft where it rides on the Labyrinth seal and the center bearing seems to have slop in it as well. The lower bearing feels good (See photo) . Is this crankshaft toast or is it acceptable to just replace the bearings??

 

[Scott Danforth]

Get another crank or have yours reconditioned

 

[Hoaggy]

The center main bearing needles look good without any bluing on them but there is a lot of play in this bearing assembly, which I am sure is what is causing the crankshaft to go into the labyrinth seal. The needle bearings and holder are no longer available, but I found a used crankshaft with bearings that the seller says came out of a running engine with a rusted out lower end for $90.00. Thinking this may be the cheapest route. What is your opinion?
Guess I didn't get as good a deal on this engine as I thought!! The engine actually was running pretty good. I also found two deep grooves in the top cylinder wall. Discovered that someone must have forgot to put in the keeper clip for the piston wrist pin. I found no evidence of it anywhere in the crankcase.

 

[jimmbo]

It's 30 yrs old, putting any serious money into it, is a waste. The crank is shot. "Deep Grooves" in the cylinder walls... Groove may be deep enough to scrap the block.

Find another used motor

 

[Hoaggy]

That is my dilemma. I either take a $400.00 hit and chalk it up to a learning experience or put three hundred into it and have a good rebuilt engine. Used crankshaft with bearings $90, Used cylinder and crankcase $100.00. Plus another $100 for gaskets, rings and misc. Foolish or frugal? Not sure which one at this point!!

 

[jimmbo]

When it comes to Education, $400 is not a lot of money, especially if you have learned something.

 

[Faztbullet]

If crank has worn labyrinth seals the block is junk. When worn the cylinders will cross talk and cause idle/low end problems

 

[racerone]

There does not appear to be a lot wrong with this crankshaft.-----Replace the upper bearing .----Assemble and test run.

 

[scout-j-m]

There does not appear to be a lot wrong with this crankshaft.-----Replace the upper bearing .----Assemble and test run.

I agree. The block may be toast, but I'd do this and see how it works. Will be good experience if nothing else. And in the event the motor is shot, you can try to part it out online to recoup some money. The carb, lower unit, ignition components, starter, etc are all worth a decent amount used.

 

[Hoaggy]

Thank you for the encouragement! The engine actually ran surprisingly well (in a test tank at least) except for the oil leak out the top of the crankshaft. I was very surprised when I found the scored cylinder wall from the wrist pin and the crankshaft damage. I have decided to move ahead on the rebuild even though it might not be the smartest move. I found a cylinder and crankcase on Ebay for $105.00 and it is on the way. There are three or four used crankshafts as well ranging from 35.00 to 90.00 with bearings included. Anyone have any luck using used piston needle bearings on a donor crank? That part scares me a little!