Reviving a 1954 Evinrude 18 HP

[Lakon]

A was recently given a 1954 Evinrude 18 HP outboard by a relative. The motor last ran about five ago on a cedar-strip boat. The boat has long since become compost but the engine is still in good condition.<br />The motor last ran without any problems and was very dependable. It has been stored outdoors but covered for the last five years. <br />I would like some suggestions as to what I can do in terms of preparing the motor for it's first start. Should I totally rebuild the carb or just use carb cleaner? I plan to change the lower unit oil before anything else. <br />What would be the best repair/maintenance manual that I can get for it?<br />Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[Straightup]

Re: Reviving a 1954 Evinrude 18 HP

1st off, Welcome to iboats!<br /><br />2nd Nice gift! Sounds like a nice engine! I've seen similar engines on eBay routinely go for over $300.<br /><br />My grandparents had (uncle has now) almost the identical engine up at a cabin up north. The engine is a total sweety and runs like a dream. 1/2 pull and it is purring like a kitten. All that with almost no maintenance. Spring they hook up gas line, fall they unplug gas line and run engine out of fuel. <br /><br />I recently started my brother in laws (mine now) 1974 4HP Johnson that I am going to sell. It sat for probably well over 10 years (but was very low time - like under 10 hours). I took the cover off and vacuumed the engine out well and oiled everything that moved. Took out plugs and fogged cylinders well with fogging oil. Sprayed a little carb cleaner in carb. Bought new gas tank, fitting, and line and hooked the little engine up with fresh fuel flowing through its veins. Followed the instructions for starting and it started a couple of pulls after it had fuel in the carb (in water tank of course). It runs great! I can't even run it on full because it empties my test tank! <br /><br />Anyway, from running my uncles similar engine I can personally say they are pretty bulletproof. If it ran great 5 years ago and didn't get too wet outside, it should be in pretty good shape. <br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Jeff

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Reviving a 1954 Evinrude 18 HP

Please post model numer with all queries - there was not an 18hp Evinrude made in 1954. Could make a difference as far as what advice is appropriate for your motor...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[Lakon]

Re: Reviving a 1954 Evinrude 18 HP

Sorry, my mistake, the motor is a 1957 model.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Reviving a 1954 Evinrude 18 HP

Hi Lakon,<br /> First step - beg, borrow or buy a compression gauge. Run a compression test and note whether or not the cylinders are even within 5%. Most gauges ought to read over 90 psi, but each gauge will read a little differently.<br /> Second step. Remove the recoil, followed by the access cover on top of the flywheel. Take a peak at the coils. If they are cracked, chalky or otherwise damaged, you're in for a magneto rebuild. If everything looks shiny and new, someone may have replaced them at some point, as ALL original issue coils will generate cracks. The replacements are better coils. New mag parts - wire, coils, condensers, points shouldn't run you more than $60.00. <br /> Inspect all hoses for cracks, checking, etc.<br /> Highly recommend replacing the waterpump impeller. A manual is a big help with this one.<br /> Good chance the carb is gummed up from sitting and at the very least will need a disassembly and cleaning. A carb kit is also recommended.<br /> A library may have a general service manual that covers your motor, but an OEM manual will have more specific info. <br /><br /> Good luck!<br />- Scott

 

[Lakon]

Re: Reviving a 1954 Evinrude 18 HP

Thank you very much Chinewalker and Straightup for sharing your knowledge and for providing excellent advice! I'll follow the steps you outlined and keep you posted.