1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

[judah304]

I have a 1965 Evinrude sportfour 60hp v4 engine. I spent all last season getting her going. I had to buy a parts motor to get a lower unit with the clutch dog modification done. Towards the end of last season I was out with it and the motor locked up. It sat and freed up and ran back to the dock. I got home ran a comression check all cylinders were between 118 and 121 lbs. So I determined it was maybe the lower unit. So I replaced all the bearings in the lower unit. I ordered new exhuast housing gaskets so I could decarbonize it this winter and ordered new head gaskets and reeds. Upon taking the exhuast covers off I realized what locked up, the #4 piston. What to do now.. The spark plug got crossthreaded and this cylinder was sucking air so it superheated. Here is where I need advice I found oversize pistons for it. But, they are 144.00 each. Can I get away with just boring the one cylinder and runnning like that. I don't think this outboard is worth 576.00 for four pistons. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[breton26]

Re: 1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

Junk it

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

Recommended replacements: Merc 50hp four cylinder, OMC 55-70hp triples, OMC85hp V4. The Merc is sweetheart, troll dead slow all morning & ski WOT all afternoon, and more powerful than the '50hp' rating. The triples are great motors, loopers, and the 1968-71 55/60s are dirt cheap. The 85hp V4 is waaaay stronger than the other motors - stout midrange for skiing - but drinks gas as bad as your 60hp did. The Merc & triples will use maybe 1/2 the gas your 60hp did. <br /><br />Depending on funds, you might consider running the 60hp until you find another motor. If you have found the reason it locked up, and fixed it, it may run for a long time that way, with slightly reduced power. I don't know that a leaky spark plug would do it though - my first guess would be that it ran lean due to a clogged carb. In any case, when you're done with it, part out the 60hp on eBay. The ignition & LU will sell anyway.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

By the way, I mean 1969 and newer 85hp; through hub exhaust, CD ignition. Different style powerhead that basically remained mostly the same, after that, until 1996.

 

[judah304]

Re: 1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

Thanks for the input. I want to buy a newer outboard. But the wife says I have to wait until next season. Can I get away with boring the one cylinder. That is my main concern. The motor has been great so I don't want to give up just yet.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

Yes, you can bore just one cylinder. The replacement pistons are made to weigh the same, no matter what bore size, specifically so you can just replace the ones you need. The engine will stay in balance.

 

[Marc J.]

Re: 1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

Ledgefinder gives good advice. It may go for a while if the cylinder isn't badly scarred. You could bore the one cylinder and get away with it, with some luck. Clean the carbs too. Good luck with it.

 

[judah304]

Re: 1965 evinrude should I keep it going????

Well, I have been looking at motors. I found a 1976 70hp evintude tripple that looks nice. But my wife may kill me if I buy it. The cylinder does not look that scored. I have a spare powerhead should I just swap a non scored piston from that and experiment? I think thats what I may do and just start saving my money. I probably not put much more money into this motor. I want a motor with power tilt and a generator and a cdi so I can run a tach. I am tired of going out in the boat and bringing tools to keep it running. Is there any certain year of the evinrude tripples that are better than others? Thanks so much guys. The boating season is just about to start and I don't have a motor.