Is an Evinrude 48 SPL a good motor?

[papakevin]

I recently purchased a boat with a 1988 Evinrude 48 SPL, and I'm having a few troubles with the idle (you've probably seem many of my posts). I know maintance is very important (and I curse the previous owner for not doing a better job) and I just ordered a manual to help with some of the mystery of this engine. <br /><br />The motor has good and equal compression (125 in each), and it starts every time after a little coaxing. I've had trouble with it the last three times out, so I'm wondering if it's a bad engine or a dumb owner. <br /><br />On to my questions.<br /><br />- Is this Evinrude 48 a good motor in general?<br />- Can you buy a new motor and use your old one as a trade-in? (I'd like to get a 70HP for my boat)<br />- Is there anyway to increase horsepower or performance on my 48, if I ever get the idle issue straightened out?<br />- If I keep the motor, what's the best power trim option. This manual tilt is bringing me down...<br /><br />Thanks for your help.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Is an Evinrude 48 SPL a good motor?

What kind of trouble have you had?<br />1. yes<br />2. yes<br />3. buy want you want instead of putting the difference in money in this one as opposed to a good used engine in the hp range you want.<br />4. There are kits available here at iboats.<br /><br />Sounds like you need to ship it to me as this is the size engine that I need.

 

[DJ]

Re: Is an Evinrude 48 SPL a good motor?

The 48 is a great engine.<br /><br />Use this starting procedure.<br /><br />1. Pump up primer bulb.<br /><br />2. Turn key to "ON"-NOT start.<br /><br />3. Hold key in and count to eight.<br /><br />4. Release key.<br /><br />5. Turn key to start (without holding in) and start engine.<br /><br />6. You may have to "bump" the key in to keep it running.<br /><br />Below is a link to one option for tilt/trim.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...r tilt&**********=449330409&*******=796791810

 

[papakevin]

Re: Is an Evinrude 48 SPL a good motor?

DJ - Thanks for the info on the start-up process. I had no idea. What does holding the key in do anyway? Thanks.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Is an Evinrude 48 SPL a good motor?

As DJ said, the holding in the key is crucial. It primes the engine - gets fuel from the carb bowls into the cylinders where it can fire up. The bulb gets the fuel to the bowls, the primer gets the fuel to the cylinders. I struggled mightly with my start up until I disciplined myself to c o u n t s l o w l y to 8 at least.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is an Evinrude 48 SPL a good motor?

Raise the fast idle lever a little on cold starts. Also, unless the primer bulb is pumped up hard, the counting to 8 technique will not work. As soon as the engine starts the bulb goes soft so the next time you fish for a couple hours, that technique may or may not work if the engine needs a little extra fuel to start. You can simply hold the key in while cranking. Does the same thing.

 

[Mercathode]

Re: Is an Evinrude 48 SPL a good motor?

The 48 was OMC's no frills engine. They were good engines if not neglected.