3012 Flow and Leak?

Brian McKee

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2009
Messages
14
Last time out, my little Evinrude (after a few minutes of run time) began to lose power ever so slowly. I took a look at the lower unit and could not see any water jetting anywhere and the lower unit itself was steaming. I touched the thing from where I was sitting in the boat and it was quite warm to the touch. I immediately cut the motor and the next day set it up in a bucket of water after removing the prop and the baffle. She ran but I could not see any water coming from anywhere and after only a few seconds, shut her down for the last time. Since a previous owner had painted the darned thing brown, I considered the possibility that a chunk of paint had got up into the cooling system and clogged it up but figured that I should start with the normal culprit, the impeller.

I determined to get at the pump but could not get the flathead screws to budge that hold the plate for the gear case in order that I might drop the case away from the bottom of the lower unit so that I might inspect the condition of the impeller. They are rock hard and have probably never been budged...ever. With all my might, I stripped a bit of metal off one of the screws and stopped all efforts at that point.

The other thing I noticed was the smell of gas. I thought this was due to a bit of spillage but when I pulled the side plate off I took one look at the carb and realized I had bigger issues. The whole carb was drenched with gasoline and must be leaking from every pore.

Does these items sound a death knell for the little guy? After nearly sixty years, it would seem prudent to replace every seal and gasket before proceeding with any other repairs and at this point I'm unsure as to what should be the proper course of action. It might be time to start looking for another motor...am I being too hasty?

I appreciate any input.
 

psteurer

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 10, 2008
Messages
366
Re: 3012 Flow and Leak?

Only you can decide whether it is worth fixing. Some people have a sentimental attraction to their old motors. You did not say what year or horsepower but I presume you have something from the 1950s in a low hp.

For the stuck lower unit screw, first put some penetrating oil on it and let it sit for awhile. You can buy an inexpensive impact screwdriver from a place like Harbor Freight. Try that to loosen the screw. It might break though especially if the motor was used in salt water.

For the leaking gas, you likely have a float stuck. Probably time to rebuild that carburetor.

If you do decide to keep the motor, it would be wise to invest in a service manual.
 

Brian McKee

Cadet
Joined
Sep 12, 2009
Messages
14
Re: 3012 Flow and Leak?

I appreciate your input!

Everything will hinge on whether I can break those screws free. Time and materials could force me to decide it's just not worth it. It is a 1952 3hp and I doubt that it has ever seen maintenance worthy of the word.

A 3012 service manual could set me back about...sixty? Seventy?

Might be worthwhile to just let a local vintage repair man take a look at it?

Thanks again
 
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