1958 Evinrude Big Twin lower unit temperature

[Matt Cooper]

Hello.
We haven't had this motor too long but it's been out and running up Cayuga lake. Replaced the packing on the adjustment needles and that made it run much better. Also a leaking fuel line. Two questions remain:

1: The water pump seems to be working fine, with what looks like plenty of water coming out the upper port, but the housing of the lower unit gets kind of hot, like too hot to touch comfortably. Engine stays pretty cool, though. Is this normal or, if not, how worrisome is it? What might be the problem?

2: It's hard to start. The plugs are new and properly gapped, but that's as far as we've gone with the tune-up. Am I right in thinking that I just have to find some time and install all the parts I got in this tune-up kit that I ordered?

Getting twitchy to get out on the water and bring home some lake trout.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Matt

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Big Twin lower unit temperature

you need to read the top secret file at the beginning of this forum.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Big Twin lower unit temperature

1. Are you speaking of the housing below the powerhead? That is the exhaust housing, and it normally gets too hot to touch. In fact, they normally will discolor the paint in the area. There is fire inside there.

2. ALL 1958 Evinrudes have bad (cracked) coils, unless they have already been replaced. Have they been? If not, you are wasting your time till you do.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Big Twin lower unit temperature

+1. If the gearcase is getting hot, it may be because there is a lack of gear lube, or some sort of damage to the gears themselves. Here are some handy links to familiarize yourself with the motor.

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

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.marineengine.com/parts/v...evinrude-johnson/ITEM_2925/ITEM_292500001.htm

 

[Matt Cooper]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Big Twin lower unit temperature

Thanks, guys. It is just the exhaust, and had suspected that but wasn't feeling 100% confident.

The coils were replaced last year, I believe, but I'm considering doing so again just for good measure and to increase my understanding and confidence about the motor.

And thank you kfa4303 and nwcove for the links. (Damn, I sure do love the internet at times like these.)

Our plan is the eventually repaint and restore the boat and motor, but figured it's better to be seaworthy and reliable first. I'd rather have an ugly boat on the water than a peach in the driveway.

Matt

 

[lindy46]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Big Twin lower unit temperature

If the coils were replaced last year, you won't need to replace them again for many years.