First outboard, help please.

[northoceanbeach]

I go tmy first boat, and it had no motor so I found a mechanic posting on craigslist and called him asking if he knew of any around. He got me early 1990's evinrude yachtwin.

First off, I didn't know any better and asked him if he would start it so I knew it worked. We were just at my house so it was not in any water and he started it revved it twice then shut it off. Do you think this may have damaged anything? I was just reading that you should never start them dry or you could break the water pump. I want to be extra careful so this doesn't strand me. Is there anything I should check or am I just being paranoid.

Also, the other thing is I don't know how these work. Seems simple enough, but I don't know if there is a clutch or how to shift or anything. Any sites or anything you know of that ell how to operate one of these?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: First outboard, help please.

welcome to iboats. your first step is to take a safe boating course. and get a friend to to go with you and show you the ropes of handling a boat. you are probably OK, with the motor.

 

[JB]

Re: First outboard, help please.

What TD said.

You also need at least an Owners Manual and probably a Service Manual, too.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: First outboard, help please.

Welcome!

Post the model number so we can "see" exactly what ya got. It'll be helpful later to know exactly what year it is anyway.

About the only thing it might - might - have hurt (on a couple quick revs) was the impeller in the water pump. However, on a "new to me (you)" motor a new water pump kit is standard replacement anyway. So, you probably aren't any worse off.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: First outboard, help please.

WRT your other question, the clutch, outboard motors don't have a clutch. You simple idle the motor down and shift - forward, neutral, reverse. Shift it with purpose and deliberately, don't ease it into gear. Shifting slowly, or easing it into gear, gives the meshing gears a chance to grind against each other, causing wear.

 

[northoceanbeach]

Re: First outboard, help please.

the model is e6slesr.

the mechanis said that he had just put a new waterpump in before he sold it. but it kindof makes me question this mechanic that he would humour me and turn it on out of water.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: First outboard, help please.

1990 6hp.... Does this mechanic actually work for a shop or just the backyard type?
IF it was a new impeller and he lubed it up when he put it together its probably ok.
One thing to think about,An outboard will rev and sound fine out of the water and could still have major issues,low compression,cylinders not firing ect.
A compression test is the first thing to do on a used engine.
Not to discourage you but just a heads up..

Welcome to Iboats too!

 

[northoceanbeach]

Re: First outboard, help please.

Hey thanks!

Well I think he is the backyard type. I just saw him posted on craigslist offering services. Said he was evenrude certified though.

The engine "looks" good, he went around and greased everything.

So I should buy a compression gauge and check that out first? Is there any way to check the water pump and make sure it is fine? Thanks.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: First outboard, help please.

Well it is a single cylinder so if it was mine i would mount it on the boat,drop it in the water and test run it.If it pumps water out the tell tale hole under the cowl its probably ok.
If you could borrow a compression tester that would be good to know the numbers on it.That will give you a base number for later on if it has problems.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: First outboard, help please.

I guess 2 cylinder,sorry.I'm not up on the small motors...:redface:

You can look at complete diagrams and part numbers here,
http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Accessories/Literature/?popup=true

Put in your year and serial number...
It will give you an idea how its all put together..

 

[Hardcore]

Re: First outboard, help please.

take the boat out to a lake and have oars. put it through its paces and dont get too far out. its that simple. if it runs good without issue then you can venture further but always have backup (motor or oars depending on the situation).

If there is steady water coming out the indicator hole then the impeller is fine for the time being and running it a few seconds dry wont hurt it. If no water comes out then you need a new one. Its real simple for that motor.