New to me 1996 Evinrude 150

[Tnstratofam]

We recently purchase a 1996 Stratos 278 FS with the original 1996 Evinrude 150. Model number E150ELEDB Serial number G03962281.

The boat hasn't been used since 2016. The seller did replace the starting battery and the plugs as well as top of the tank with some fresh gas and seafoam. The VRO appears to still be hooked up and working.

My plans are to install a water pump kit, drain the gas from the fuel tank and the oil from the VRO tank. Replace the fuel lines and add a water separator. Do a compresion test ( first ). Pressure test the lower unit and change the oil if it looks suspect.

We did run the engine on muffs so I did verify it would idle and was pumping water. All the cylinders seamed to be running at the same temperature ( I forgot to bring my infared thermometer with me).

The seller didn't have a lot more info other than it was his father inlaws boat who passed away in 2013. The paperwork I received showed regular maintenance performed at a local marine center in Knoxville, and the seller had it serviced in 2016. Which consisted of a new bilge pump for the boat and an impeller I believe.

My question is are there any other items I should be checking with this engine. I have experience with Chrysler outboards and a little with a late 80's Johnson 175.

Should I run a 50:1 mix in my first tank of gas until I verify the VRO is working properly?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[Chris1956]

Yes, run a 50::1 gas:il mix until the OMS system is verified. Test the alarms (overheat, low oil, no oil and Check Engine ) to assure they work. Don't inspect the gear oil, just replace it.

No need to drain the oil injection oil. if you drain it, you will need to bleed the system.

Grease the zercs and steering rod. Remove prop and grease splines. Clean main strainer under airbox. Inspect carbs for leaking. check wiring for chafing and melting. Make sure electrical connections are clean.

Do replace the water pump. Inspect/test the thermostats.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Thanks for the advice. I forgot to mention I do have a factory service manual on the way.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Her are some pics of the engine.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Also does anyone know if this boot is still available?

 

[Rustywrench]

Yes it is still available. Kind of a pain to replace as you have to take everything loose to past thru the grommet, but it will look much nicer. Nice looking rig!

 

[Tnstratofam]

Took her to the lake yesterday and she ran good. The water pump change and lower unit oil change were easy and good piece of mind.

Testing all the alarms was a bit tricky but the service manual had all the testing procedures and I'm confident everything works as it should.

I cleaned the outside of the VRO oil tank and filled it and marked the level with a piece of tape to monitor the system to verify it is oiling. I will continueto run 50:1 in the main gas tank until I confirm it is working.

She is a strong running engine. Getting used to her sound as opposed to the 3cylinder 75hp Chrysler from our Starcraft may take a bit.

Thanks for all the tips. Happy boating.

Dave

 

[dingbat]

Long term you plan on replacing the oil tank proper.

Over time the oil permeates the plastic and seeps over everything. New tank and everything stays clean

 

[Tnstratofam]

I hadn't realized the oil tank would need replacing. What should I look for to determine if it needs replacing? The engine and boat in general have been very well maintained, but not knowing the complete history I have no way of knowing how old the tank is.

The plastic doesn't seem brittle and the tank is actually pretty clean inside and you can pretty easily tell the oil level from the outside.

The area around the tank doesn't appear oily other than where I spilled a little filling it up. I did clean up my spill.

 

[Rustywrench]

That is an interesting comment dingbat? Other than someone dropping something on the oil tank (battery) I have never seen one leak. Early designs had a cork gasket around the pickup that changed to a synthetic material. The cork would break down. Also the early tanks had a clear lens cap that would break. This '96 model should have an all black cap with ears on it to make it easier to put on & take off.
I would bet that most of the oil you see on the outside of the tank & in the boat is from spills. It can get real messy in there if not cleaned up. Dawn dishwashing detergent will do a good job. Lots of oil dispersants in that stuff.

 

[dingbat]

I would bet that most of the oil you see on the outside of the tank & in the boat is from spills. It can get real messy in there if not cleaned up.

Permeation of petroleum distillations thru plastics is a well understood and documented phenomenon....

I spent 3 years cleaning the "spills" from around the first oil tank I owned. Installed new gaskets and seals and even installed a remote fill port...but the problem persisted. Then noticed the sides of the tank where always oily. Nothing around the fill port connection. Nothing around the float and suction plate, just the sides.

Installed a new tank and no "spills" the remaining 5 years I owned the boat.

Fast forward to current boat..... No "spills" for the first 10 years of ownership. Removed everything from the hatch and scrubbed everything down with bilge cleaner. Three months later, same problem, oily sides... no leakage at cap or plate. . Installed new tank, problem gone....

 

[Tnstratofam]

Yep mine has the black cap. Also to test the low oil alarm the manual had me remove the 4 screws to the sending unit and lift it up till the plunger fell to verify the liw oil light on the gauge worked. It did and it had a nice rubber gasket under the sending unit that was still in great shape.

I did check the fuel lines and looked for fuel and oil leaks with it running on muffs in my driveay. Everything seemed good. After running on the water up and down the lake yesterday for about an hour everything still looked good under the cowl. No leaks at least and the tell tale had a good steady stream of water the whole time.

 

[Tnstratofam]

I will certainly monitor the oil tank as I want the bilge to stay as clean as possible. If I start to notice the tank sides getting oily or excessive amounts of oil showing up around the tank I will replace it.

 

[82rude]

Interesting info dingbat .I will file that away in that faulty computer I call a brain.Is that a older omc issue or does it apply possibly to newer motors also?Again thanks for the info I would of never thought of something like that.