Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

[rgballard]

Just got a '56 Evinrude Big-Twin. I didn't pay a lot for it and have done some looking over and cleaning while going through "Awakening a sleeping outboard; by BoatBuoy". After inspection I have found some issues with the motor and I need to know if it is worth continuing with repairs or if I should just forget about this motor and use it as parts for another (and practice ).

Here is what I have found on inspection:
I have done a compression test, around 20 psi on both cylinders.
I used a spark plug tester and there is no spark being generated.
Shown below on the lower unit there is a crack that is leaking gas/oil mix? I don't know why?
The gear box in the lower unit is leaking oil out of where it splits in half (bad gasket?) and is also leaking oil out of the water bypass cover (not sure why?). The pull start is missing the pawls and some small hardware
The tiller handle is broken off however the controls still work.

I know you guys have done lots of work on these and would really like to have your opinions. I have posted some pictures of the motor for reference.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

Keep that one as a parts horse and look for another the same vintage. You have low compression (wet or dry test?), a cracked exhaust housing and a leaky seal in the lower unit...all repairable, but check out the low compression first. For what you might spend on a rebuild, you could replace it with a better Twin of the same era. That said...they are great workhorse motors and very reliable if maintained correctly.

 

[boobie]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

Keep it for a parts mtr and don't spend any $$$$ on it.

 

[Mas]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

I would use it as a parts motor...the powerhead looks like it really overheated too! Obviously it would need to be torn down, so pull he head off and see what's inside the cylinders and transfer ports!

Mas

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

Parts

 

[rgballard]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

Thanks guys. Makes me feel better to hear everyone say what I was thinking. Only paid $50 for it and it came with simplex controls and a gas tank, so those are worth the $50 I would think.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

There is a lot there that is useable and the entire motor is actually salvageable too, but it may be just as easy to find another one to restore.
I wouldn't write off the powerhead on this one though. I think you'll just need a head gasket and to soak the pistons and rings down real good.
As far as the spark goes, I would check the condition of the coils and points. The points could just need cleaning and polishing and the spark will come back. That would be the best case scenario. Worst case, the coils are cracked and are shot, but that's only another 40 or 50 bucks.
The lower unit leaking oil: It will need to be re-sealed if this is the case, but that doesn't mean that the lower unit is toast either.
The cracked motor leg: It's easy enough to get a replacement at a salvage yard. After motors are parted out, this section is often times left over.
You did pretty good pricewise. The controls and tank alone are worth what you paid.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

If you really wanted to make it a good one, it could be done, but as noted above, it appears to have gotten hot at some point (discolored paint on rear of powerhead). That would explain your low compression numbers. Find another parts motor and combine the two. FYI - mechanically speaking the 1956 Johnson 30hp is identical to the Evinrude 30... Your motor is also mechanically identical to the Evinrude and Johnson deluxe models of that year (Evinrude Lark and Johnson Javelin) so you have a few motors to keep an eye out for...

 

[rgballard]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

but as noted above, it appears to have gotten hot at some point (discolored paint on rear of powerhead).

I noticed the color difference but never thought anything of it. This is good info to have when looking at future motors.

What should the compression numbers be on these motors? And when "cranking them" how many times should you turn it over or pull start it to get a compression reading?

 

[rgballard]

Re: Is it worth fixing up or should I abandon?

FYI - mechanically speaking the 1956 Johnson 30hp is identical to the Evinrude 30... Your motor is also mechanically identical to the Evinrude and Johnson deluxe models of that year (Evinrude Lark and Johnson Javelin) so you have a few motors to keep an eye out for...

Thank you for this info. I was wondering what other motors I could use for parts or use this as parts for. I figured the 56' Johnson 30hp, but that is where my knowledge stopped.