71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

[utah boat owner]

Recently bought a 1971 Evinrude 18 HP and haven't had it in the water yet, but I noticed the throttle is really hard to turn. I am not very techno savvy so I will butcher the terms, but I did find a vertical shaft where the throttle linkage enters the engine. At the top of it, it connects to the timing plate (?). I disconnected the link from the throttle linkage and the timing plate, and the throttle arm turned very easily, so the timing plate is the source of the friction. Is there a way to lube that up or otherwise free it up? Sorry if I got the terms wrong, but figured those familar with this motor will get the drift. Thanks for any assistance.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

Did you check the stator plate was stiff?Does it seem to drag on something or does it move when you turn the flywheel?
If you look under the stator plate you can see where it is mounted and turns. see if you can get some spray lube in there
perhaps some WD 40 to soften things up then some spray grease. not exactly as factory but may lube things up.
This is all assuming that the ignition is assembled right.

 

[utah boat owner]

Re: 71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

Did you check the stator plate was stiff?Does it seem to drag on something or does it move when you turn the flywheel?
If you look under the stator plate you can see where it is mounted and turns. see if you can get some spray lube in there
perhaps some WD 40 to soften things up then some spray grease. not exactly as factory but may lube things up.
This is all assuming that the ignition is assembled right.

Motor does run in a barrel so I will assume the ignition is right. I'll try to work a little WD40 in there. Thanks.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

Hi utah. Here's a handy link for you motor.

Maintaining Johnson E & FD Serie

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

You want to ensure you dont oil it too much though. It will contaminate the points. More is not better here.

I would personally pull the flywheel and pull the mag plate. Clean the mag plate spotless, and inspect. If all is well, lighlty re grease and all should be well. While you are at it, may want to clean up the old/hardened grease and re grease along way at the base of the tower, and at the connection you took apart.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

Yeah, you'll probably need to pull the flywheel to check things out. The magneto plate bolts into an aluminum ring which rotates/slides under another larger brass ring. 4 bolts hold it down. That assembly needs to be properly cleaned and lubricated. I've also seen that aluminum ring positioned upside down by some uninformed armchair mechanic in the past. That can cause your problem. That aluminum ring must be installed with the FLAT SIDE up/beveled side down.

 

[kbait]

Re: 71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

+1 on popping the flywheel. While your in there, check that the coils are mounted/aligned correctly. Here's a comprehensive link for a 6hp magneto.. same universal magneto as your 18hp: http://forums.iboats.com/johnson-evinrude-outboards/1972-6hp-evinrude-has-no-spark-531940.html

I'd also pull the pointsets, file their faces up shiny/new, and reset to .020". I use a rather coarse file first to get any discoloration/pits out of 'em, then a fine (and rather dull) file to 'smooth' those faces so they look shiny/new. Inspect plug wires for any abrasions/cuts that could arc out to ground and replace if necessary.

Good luck!

 

[utah boat owner]

Re: 71 Rude 18 HP Throttle hard to turn

Thanks for all the tips. I ended up pulling the mag plate. Lots of grease there and after cleaning it all, still had a tight fit. Ended up polishing the brass bushing with some emery cloth till I got a smooth fit. Greased it up and put it all back together. 100% improvement. Appreciate all the good advise, and yes the aluminum ring was flat side up when I took it off and still is.