1957 Evinrude 18hp

[Rough n' Ready]

Hello all,

I recently picked up a 1957 Evinrude 18hp #15020 that was in rough shape, mechanically and aesthetically. I've been following alot of previous threads from this website that have proven very very helpful since I am not a master of outboards . The things i've done so far: Soaked the carbs, baught a new gasket kit for it and float since the previous ones were shot, redid the fuel lines, and greased the lower unit. Hopefully when I go to run it this will take care of some of the issues I was having. Now, for a few questions and any help is greatly appreciated! I would like to repaint the motor, but it seems like it has a very specific color. Does anyone know where I can buy the correct type and color of paint? Second, the pull cord on the engine retracts very slowly, whats the likely cause of that and is it difficult to do? Finally, is there any other easy repairs that I should take the time to do that could improve the functioning of the motor?

Once again, any help would be great!

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

NYMarine.ca has the paint, or you may check with a Johnnyrude dealer - they may be able to order it. Van's of Grand Rapids carries lots of vintage Johnnyrude stuff and I can usually get paint from them. The recoil spring is probably worn from 53 years of use. A little lube might help - just don't overdo it or get it on the center spindle. Before dumping a lot of money into the motor, check compression. If compression is ok, most everything else can be easily fixed. Also check for a good spark on both plugs. An old motor will probably need ignition work - like points, plugs, condensers and coils.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

check out www.nymarine.com for the paint and correct colors. A few drops of light oil should fix the rope re-wind issue. Try not to get to much oil on the rope. A couple new spark plugs and some fresh fuel and give her try! That's a good 'ol motor there, and with a little care, she's good for another 20 years or so.

 

[Rough n' Ready]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Thanks for the tips guys! I'll give those things a try.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Here are some good parts sources.

sea-way.com
engine blade and prop.com
outboard-parts.com
laingsoutboards.com
tcoutboard.com
fairwindsmarina.com
salvagemarine.com
marinepartsoutlet.com
outboardexchange.com
Superior Marine (800-338-9281)
budgetboats.net
americanoutboard.com
piratemarinesalvage.com
trixieslanding.com
mmmarinesalvage.com
tcoutboards.com
http://www.nymarine.ca/piclist.html Paint and decals

Those are excellent motors, by the way. I've had some of the roughest looking ones run like champs, so be careful and don't judge it by appearance.

 

[Rough n' Ready]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Here are some good parts sources.

sea-way.com
engine blade and prop.com
outboard-parts.com
laingsoutboards.com
tcoutboard.com
fairwindsmarina.com
salvagemarine.com
marinepartsoutlet.com
outboardexchange.com
Superior Marine (800-338-9281)
budgetboats.net
americanoutboard.com
piratemarinesalvage.com
trixieslanding.com
mmmarinesalvage.com
tcoutboards.com
http://www.nymarine.ca/piclist.html Paint and decals

Those are excellent motors, by the way. I've had some of the roughest looking ones run like champs, so be careful and don't judge it by appearance.

I agree! I figured as long as I was doing some tlc on it, I should give it the paint job it deserves. I payed $250 for this motor with a tank. Was that a decent deal? Also, the motor is set up to run on the older tanks with the 3 prong and the pump on the tank. Is there an easy way to convert it to the newer style?
Once again, thanks for all the info and help!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

$250 isn't bad. The tanks often times for for as much as $100, themselves. A lot of us have got them cheaper. The last one I got was for $40, but it was stuck, when I brought it home. Interestingly enough though I got it unstuck and got it running. I took a compression test and it had 100psi on both cylinders. I found a new pair of coils under the flywheel, so I made out like a bandit. The average boater out there pays about what you did for your motor and I have sold those for about that price in great running condition.

As far as conversion goes, the 1960 and newer Fastwins are set up for single line tanks, but if your tank is in good working condition, may as well stay with it. If you do, decide to convert it, get a bypass cover with a fuel pump, off of a 1960 motor or newer. Then of course, you'll need the connection on the lower cowl.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

A great engine. I have the parts manual for you if you want it. If yes, PM me with your email address and request.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Keep it original and use the pressure tank. $250 for a running motor with a pressure tank is a good price. If not running, you can easily drop $150-200 in parts (ignition parts, carb rebuild and gas lines, impeller, seal kit) so I seldom pay more than $100 for a motor in unknown condition. As Zephyr says, sometimes you luck out and get a gem for small bucks. Sometimes you end up putting more into them than what they're worth.

 

[Rough n' Ready]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Keep it original and use the pressure tank. $250 for a running motor with a pressure tank is a good price. If not running, you can easily drop $150-200 in parts (ignition parts, carb rebuild and gas lines, impeller, seal kit) so I seldom pay more than $100 for a motor in unknown condition. As Zephyr says, sometimes you luck out and get a gem for small bucks. Sometimes you end up putting more into them than what they're worth.

When I purchased the motor it was in decent running shape, definatley not where it should be performance wise. I'm hoping that some of these small things i've done will help with that.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

My experience with these 18's if you have the ignition system tuned up right, they'll be quite responsive. As I have found, these carbs are pretty responsive and rarely give trouble, providing they are in clean condition. I had some ugly ones even work fine too. Usually, ignition problems lead one to believe the carb is acting up and makes you pull your hair out fighting it. Usually, when I get a motor in, I completely disassemble the mag plate and clean it entirely. I reassemble it with new components and have everything adjusted exactly the way it is supposed to be. Use a utility knife blade to line the coil faces up to the machined surfaces of the mag plate and have absolutely no air gaps top to bottom. If you can't get new spark plug wires, at least trim 1/2" off each end and make new connections for the coils and spark plug boots. Doing this, you should have a spark strong enough to knock a bull elephant on his rear.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Keep it original and use the pressure tank. $250 for a running motor with a pressure tank is a good price. If not running, you can easily drop $150-200 in parts (ignition parts, carb rebuild and gas lines, impeller, seal kit) so I seldom pay more than $100 for a motor in unknown condition. As Zephyr says, sometimes you luck out and get a gem for small bucks. Sometimes you end up putting more into them than what they're worth.

Yea, you know I also lucked out again with that motor and picked up a good working pressure tank for $10 and got it locally.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Yea, you know I also lucked out again with that motor and picked up a good working pressure tank for $10 and got it locally.

Heh Heh - my last deal was a 1955 Johnson 25hp with the original pressure tank (rust-free), and the guy had a brand new impeller, a carb kit and a lower unit seal kit (all unopened packages), all for $50! I didn't even bother to check compression - just smiled and handed him the $50

Turned out to have excellent compression, and now she's pretty much restored and ready to go. Pic attached.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Dang. Great deal. Just the parts were worth more! I also got a '55 J25 in the spring. It didn't come with anything except some fried coils! I haven't fixed it up yet but plan to. Here are a couple of pics. I also paid $50. Canadian!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

all that for $50 lindy46!!!!!! SWEEET!!! I gotta start shopping wher you shop. great deal!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

not quite as nice as lindy's, but not too shabby either samo. looks like she's all there. just need a couple new coils and you'll be al set. where in the world do y'all find these things? I'm jealous.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

That's a beauty, lindy. Last of the sea mist green motors. I kinda liked that model.

I had the deal of the century last year though. A friend of mine gave me a 1988 Evinrude 25 and a 1974 Johnson 6. Sold them both and got $1100 between the two.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

not quite as nice as lindy's, but not too shabby either samo. looks like she's all there. just need a couple new coils and you'll be al set. where in the world do y'all find these things? I'm jealous.

They're reasonably common up here. (fresh water running and only a 4-5 month boating season leads to a long life!) I get a lot of stuff at my local AOMCI meet. I have to drive 5 hours to get to it a couple of times a year but usually come back with several engines each time. That's where I got my J25 in the spring. Hence my full shed!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

Yea, one thing I have noticed here in Oregon. If you go east, over the Cascade Mountain range, you'll see a lot more oldies. Head to the beach?? Forget it. Around where I live, there's still quite a few.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 18hp

That's a beauty, lindy. Last of the sea mist green motors. I kinda liked that model.

I had the deal of the century last year though. A friend of mine gave me a 1988 Evinrude 25 and a 1974 Johnson 6. Sold them both and got $1100 between the two.

Heh heh - did you tell your friend what you sold them for? Is he still your friend?