Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

[andgott]

My current restoration project came with a 1959 Evinrude 50 HP Starflite-

And one of my winter projects is to get it up and running.

I've been told that it DID run, but I think that it's been a number of years since it did. I am sure that it's going to need all the 'normal' things done, I've looked over the 'awakening sleeping outboards thread', and plan to do what is on there.

I have a service manual for the motor- though it's not the original factory manual. Is it worth the money to get a reprint of the 1959 manual? If there is enough specific info in there, I don't mind spending the money, but id there isn't any real advantage, I'd rather spend the cash on parts.

Also- I've never worked with a Magneto system- Are there any additional precautions or worries vs. a modern ignition?? Thanks.

-Andrew

 

[lindy46]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

I'd invest in the factory service manual. It will be more detailed than a seloc or a clymer. I'd first check compression - make sure you have 100+psi and even over all 4 cylinders. No sense wasting money on parts if the compression is poor. Then check the lower unit for water and metal filings. Seals can be replaced if there's water in there. Metal filings will be an expensive fix. If compression and lower unit look good, everything else is pretty easy and relatively inexpensive. It will definitely need a new water pump impeller. And a carb clean/rebuild. Magneto is much easier to work on and troubleshoot compared to the modern electronic ignitions. The service manual will help with that.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

careful! this motor is notorious for guzzling a full tank of gas(6 gallons) in 50 minutes and less.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Beautiful old classic. Truthfully, I think a Seloc manual will give you what you need to totally rebuild it. If you need anymore info than that, you're not too mechanically inclined. I've used Selocs for 18 years and I haven't been too dissappointed. It would be cool to get an original owners manual though.

Oh yea, like coolguy says: carry an extra tank of gas. These babies have a drinking problem.

 

[andgott]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Thanks... I have been made aware of the fuel consumption 'issues' that the motor has- However, it is the '59 golden jubilee edition, and a perfect match to the boat that it's on. It's a total restoration to original condition, including trailer, so I want to leave original power on there if possible.

Should be a fun project- I also just located a donor motor for any parts I need. Hopefully, between the two of them, I can end up with one good, strong motor!

-Andrew

 

[W_Guy]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Andrew,
If you can get the motor back to good operable condition I think you'll be very happy with it. They're full of torque and very reliable. I don't care for a restored old boat with a newer motor on it. As for worrying about mpg, I enjoy my '58 Four Fifty by spm (Smiles Per Mile).
Verne

 

[KB1]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

AHH MEMORIES!!!!

Ma & Pa had a'62 Starcraft runabout w/said motor on it. Pulled 4 people up on a pair of skis each and never "drug 'em around" to do it either. The three blade power prop made it run faster than the 2 blade speed prop. Believe my brother still has the bronze power prop if I haven't lost all of my mind.

Like everyone else said, hope you have a good set of fuel tank caps 'cause they will get used EXTENSIVELY!!!

 

[asdasc]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Great Motor! Keep it and make it nice. I am sure it won't be difficult, as many of these need nothing more than an impeller and coils to be good as new.

I read the details of your boat restoration, and was VERY impressed. You actually make it look pretty easy with the methodical approach and clear pictures.

How much did you invest in the restoration part of the boat? How many hours are invested?

I just found a similar boat and motor that I would love to try it on.

 

[andgott]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

I started digging in to the motor this week. It's going to be a project!

The first thing that I did was take the manual starter/recoil assembly off, to replace the pawl that was missing in it. Luckily, my 'donor' motor had one, complete with the spring, in good shape. Now I can turn the motor over without power.

I did a compression test next, and the news was not good at first. Cylinder 1 had NO compression, 2 65lbs, 3 65lbs, and 4 90lbs. My first thought- This motor is TOAST.

But, all was not lost! I was advised to soak the cylinders overnight to try to free up the rings, perhaps that was causing the problem...

The next morning, I cranked it a few more times. Compression was over 90 in 2, 3, &4. Still zero in #1. So I pulled the head, and-

There's the culprit- A blown head gasket!

So, that part is on order. In the mean time, I'm removing the carbon that I can get off, and cleaning things up in general. I won't spend too much time, and NO more money, on the motor, until I get the new gasket installed and verify that the compression is good. If it all checks out, I'll go on to the next step, the carbs...


-Andrew

 

[F_R]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Don't waste your money on a factory service manual for that motor. You won't like it. Tons of stuff and pictures in there that don't apply.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Don't expect too much compression. 90PSI on each cylinder is fine for that beast. Check the ign coil (in the distributor body) for cracks. Clean up the carb and fuel pump, set the timing and give her a spin.

I agree with F-R on the factory service manual.

 

[andgott]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

I FINALLY got the new head gasket in... And I've got decent compression in all 4 cylinders!

So, It's time to clean out the carbs... Put a little gas in there, and see if she'll fire up...

I've got the service manual now, too, which is helpful.

-Andrew

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

If the timing, synchronization, and caruretor adjustments are as they should be, the fuel consumption of a 1958/59 50hp Evinrude/Johnson on a 17' boat is usually:

At full throttle = Six gallons in about 45 minutes.

At crusing range = Six gallons in about 1hr & 45min.

Crusing range is..... taking to full throttle, getting on plane, then dropping throttle back to approximately 3/4 throttle. This is a position whereas the spark advance stays are full spark advance BUT the throttle setting is backed off considerably without losing a great amount of mph. This can be viewed by having the hood off, engine in gear (engine not running), then apply & retard throttle while watching the magneto/distributor & carburetor throttle butterfly action.

 

[andgott]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Yup- Horrid gas hogs. But, I DO work in the petroleum industry, so I encourage that

This motor really isn't going to get that much use- I'll use it to run around a bit on the lake here, and at shows... It's original to the boat.

I've also got a Merc tower of power that I'm tempted to drop on this boat- I haven't decided yet. But, at any rate, I'll get this one up and running too. It's a cool machine!

 

[boobie]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Make sure you have a spare rotor for your magneto distributor. They were great for going bad with out any warning at all.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

I cant wait to see if you can pull start it with the new pawl! Keep up with the updates. And post more pictures. We like pictures

 

[andgott]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

I took apart & cleaned the Carbs, Replaced all the fuel lines, and cleaned the rotor and points.... Then I put it all back together, adjusted the timing, and gave it a PULL (or two)-

And she ran!

I only let it run for a second- After more than a decade sitting idle, I doubt if the water pump is going to move water, and I don't want to risk overheating it. Now that I know it is going to run, I don't mind spending some money on more new parts. I just didn't want to drop hundreds into it if it was just going to end up being a decoration

-Andrew

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

Awesome. Man that looks easy to pull start for a 50hp. Way to go.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

I am in near disbelief that the fat 50 was that easy to start! IMPRESSIVE!
I'm eager to see it idle, so hurry up and put a water pump in it.
I wish my 50hp had a pull starter to go along with the electric. That reminds me--I need to get myself an emergency pull cord rigged up.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[levi_tsk]

Re: Bringing my '59 Starflite Back to life

cool man very cool !!! im with the rest of these guys though that thing started REALLY easy