1958 Evinrude 5 1/2hp won't start

[boat58]

Bought a 1958 Evinrude 5 1/2 Fisherman in real nice shape, the seller put coils, points and condensers in and had the motor running real smooth in the barrel of water when I went to look at it... I bought it and not wanting to be stranded out in the water I cleaned the carb and the gas tank just to make sure everything was OK.
I went to the lake and it started on the second pull, let it idle for about 2 minutes and put her in gear, she was running real smooth at top speed then it happened, it started to go slower, slower and slower then it stopped.

It would not start up again ..... I still have spark, the cylinders are wet with fuel from trying to start it but no go..need help....thanks

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: 1958 Evinrude 5 1/2hp won't start

Hmmmmm, the pessimist in me wants to say overheated and siezed. You don't mention anything about the water pump. But let's not get hasty! Time to start at the beginning with a compression test. You'll want to see compression reading of above 60# and even between the two cylinders. Next, how are you checking spark? It needs to be able to jump at least a 1/4" gap. A $6.00 spark checker from AutoZone works well. Just sticking a plug in the end of the wire and grounding it is not enough. Probably should check for a sheared flywheel key next. You don't know if the guy torqued the flywheel correctly or not. Good luck! And let us know what you find.

Cheers....................Todd

 

[boat58]

Re: 1958 Evinrude 5 1/2hp won't start

I did a compression test and it was 25 psi so I took the head off and guess what?....a blown head gasket . I hope I can get a picture up and find out where i can get a gasket.

 

[crxess]

Re: 1958 Evinrude 5 1/2hp won't start

Might find one on ebay. Best to have a part number first.

Don't forget the water pump. Something caused the gasket to blow and heat is enemy #1.

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: 1958 Evinrude 5 1/2hp won't start

Laingsoutboard.com claims Sierra 18-2885 is the one you want. It's on sale right here on iboats. Weird thing is the picture in the Sierra master catalog is completely different from the picture shown on iboats. The sierra catalog says 18-2885 is the replacement for OMC part # 303438. You'll need to reference a parts manual to see if that's the right number. Good luck!

Cheers...................Todd

 

[aguitarestv]

Re: 1958 Evinrude 5 1/2hp won't start

i was gonna suggest (before you found the bad head gasket) was the gas tank vented...i know a few people that made that mistake...hell it happened to me over the weekend!

 

[boat58]

Re: 1958 Evinrude 5 1/2hp won't start

I found the correct head gasket at the local boat shop, Sea18horse gave me the correct Sierra #. thanks

I put the gasket on and now I have 60 and 55 psi in the cylinders, is that OK, and thanks to all who responded...again thanks