1989 Evinrude 90hp

[eddy622611]

I just bought this boat with a 90hp Evinrude mod# E90TLCEM ser# 08189329 the motor looks to be in excelent condition,starts right up and idles.(little rough) I took to a mechanic and he found #2 cyclinder has 75# of compression and the other three have 100#. The top of the piston looks and feels slightly damaged. If you spray some oil in the cylinder it comes up a little.
Today we're going to decarb with seafoam to see if that helps. If this dosen't work would I be better off rebuilding this powerhead, buying a reman powerhead or trade it on a reman motor from Outboard1.
If I rebuild sould I expect a new motor or am I taking a chance on the 24 yr old carbs,ignition,lower unit etc. Thanks eddy622611

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Compression difference of 25lbs..... remove that cylinder head and inspect if you haven't already. If damage is evident, further running is only going to result in extended damage $$$!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Follow Joe's suggestion. If the top of the piston looks damaged, it may have eaten the top ring on that piston, probably causing damage to the piston and head face. A common crossflow failure mode. A decarb won't fix your problem. It is likely that you'll get may years of good service out of the ignition, carbs and lower unit. Check out your rebuild options for the powerhead.

 

[V153]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

A decarb won't fix your problem

'Specially if you can see & feel damage?! Running it further would just add insult to injury.

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Thanks, for the advise. We didn't do the seafoam today. I'll call him tomarrow and ask him to remove the head. This is similar to the advise that he gave me. I just didn't want to rush into it blindly. I have alway been happy with his work on my other boat. I was worried that I would rebuild the powerhead and than have to replace the rest of the motor one piece at a time and still have a 20 something year old motor. I've had good boats in the past, but I've had a couple that no matter how much money I spent they were still unreliable. eddy622611

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

I forgot to tell you that the motor was leaking water right where the power head mounts to the mid leg between the two cylinder heads. Eddy622611

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

If you elect to rebuild the motor, INSIST that whoever does the work also rebuilds the carburetors. Why? Because that's probably what caused the failure in the first place. Failure to do this may result in you having to rebuild the same cylinder again -- in a very short time. Lean carburetion is likely the cause of the failure. Always "diagnose" why something failed. Fixing the symptom and not the cause results in repeated symptoms.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

If you elect to rebuild the motor, INSIST that whoever does the work also rebuilds the carburetors. Why? Because that's probably what caused the failure in the first place.

Amen.... Engines do not fail for no reason at all.... something caused it, of which if not corrected, a repeat of the problem is in the near future.

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

I was wondering about the carburetors. Each carburetor has two barrels, does half ( one barrel ) serve one cylinder or does both barrels serve both cylinder? I didn't know if failure was caused by a lean condition, overheat or told me after I had already bought the boat if I have trouble getting it started.. Just give it a shot of ether.
The boat was an eBay purchase. So I was kind of stuck with it. eddy622611

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Each carb "barrel" feeds one cyl. Usually in a failure situation, the carb is the first place to look. Esp the high speed jet in the carb that feeds the bad cyl. Specifically, the high speed jet on the side that feeds that bad cyl. Remove it and visually inspect for blockage. Don't start with ether-it has no lube oil in it and prolonged use can lead to damage in your engine. It's always possible that single cyl overheated. Check the placement of the water diverters (and for blockage) once the head is removed.

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Has anyone ever delt with 1Outboard they have several locations thru out the states. They have a location 2 hours from me in Sunbury, PA where they sell remanufactured power heads,complete motors or they will rebuild yours. My mechanic said he would rebuild it for me. He appears confident and has always done a good job before. I just want to make an educated decision. Thanks, eddy622611

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Sent them an email, with no response as of yet. What are my other options for buying a rebuilt powerhead? eddy622611

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Uh.... I would stay away from them.
Ripoff Report | ebay seller 1outboard | Complaint Review: 701026
ww.ripoffreport.com/boat-dealers/blackbird-industries/blackbird-industries-a1-outboa-3c848.htm

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

We're going to rebuild this powerhead,carburetors and go thru the cooling system(new impeller,thermostat) My mechanic will only use OEM parts and wants to disconnect the VRO. He said that it is over 20 years old and can't be trusted. Can anyone think of anything else we should address. He dropped the lower unit oil and said it was dirty, but no signs of water. Thanks,eddy622611

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Replace the 4 rubber deflectors in the head while you have it apart. (one per cyl.) 322411

 

[eddy622611]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 90hp

Thanks, endsapmgr