Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

[57'Rude'Dude]

Hi, I have a 1957 evinrude I'm trying to get started. Given to me not running. I replaced the coils and plugs and have spark. If I put gas in the carb I get a pop. Finally just got a rebuild pressurized tank. Just need to run new air and fuel lines and I think I'm ready to start it. Am i missing anything? What is the procedure for starting ie. pumping the tank, gas mix etc... Any advice is helpful, excited to get it started. Thanks

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

Hi Dude. Welcome to iboats. Great old "Big Twin" motor you've got there. Sounds like you've got it all under control. You really only need 3 things to get these old motors running; compression (over 80 psi in each cylinder), Spark (should jump 1/4" gap), Fuel (24:1 mix using TCW-3, 2-stoke outboard oil). Here is a great link that can help you get her running again.

Reviving a Vintage Big Twin - Part 1

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

KFA posted a nice guide to this. Look through it, and make sure you've checked it all over (the engine that is).
New impeller right?

As far as starting it,
BRP recommends a 20:1 TCW-3 oil mix for '58 and earlier engines (could probably get away with 24:1, but why risk it?).
Connect your tank to the motor. Make sure the fuel cap is tight. Pump the primer button on the tank until it is firm. Pull the choke out. Set the throttle to the "start" position on the tiller. Yank the cord until she fires over, and open the choke (push the knob in) when she does.

Of course this being an old carbed two stroke, she may have her own particular way she needs to be tickled in order to get started (they all have their own personalities). So you may have to fiddle a bit with the choke, and throttle before you get her running.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

When cold the 50s OMC Big Twins like to be started a tad rich, 1/4 turn on the jet and they should fire right up.

24:1 is correct of the Big Twin series, although you wont hurt anything by richening the mix a bit. Just do not run leaner, no matter what "Billy Bob down the street says"....

Dont overpump the primer button on the pressure tanks. 5 or so pumps should fill the carb bowl. Any more and you could damage the diaphragm.

As stated above, if you have not changed the impeller, do it. That comes from experience of picking out chunks of impeller throughout the cooling circuit that dry rotted from sitting. I always change the impeller before I fire them now.

How about the gear oil, did you check it? Just drain and replace, along with new crush washers.

 

[57'Rude'Dude]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

sorry folks I should have mentioned its a 10 HP sport twin. Thanks for the input thus far.
I did not check the impeller (new to this) is that a must do?
Curious about the pressurized tank, how do I know its pressurized...look for gas in carb bowl before starting?
How about the high and low speed knobs? (needle valves?) I tightened them till in then backed em off about a full turn each...

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

GENTLY seat the needles. Then back the low speed (top) 1.5 turns. The high speed (bottom) 3/4 turn. They will need to be fine tuned on the water.

Take for WOT run after warmed up, and in small increments turn the high speed needle in, clockwise, giving the motor time to respond. Once it starts backfiring or wanting to die, it is too lean, and back it back out 1/4 turn. I like to leave the high speed needle set a touch rich to preserve the motor.

Now take her down to an idle. Again, turn the low speed needle in, clockwise, in small increments, giving the motor time to respond, until it backfires or wants to die. Then turn it back out 1/4 turn or so. Within that 1/4 turn will be the ideal setting.

All the button on the tank does is send fuel to the carb bowl, like a primer bulb on a newer motor. You will not know if it is pressurizing until running. When opening the cap you should hear the air escape. If it only runs for about 30 secs or so, it is not pumping. Leave the cap cracked when not in use.

Impeller most important part of your maintainance. If it goes, so does your powerhead.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

Here's a great link for the 10hp as well. Same basic procedure and fuel mix.

Johnson

Vintage Evinrude Johnson Outboard Parts & Diagrams - Catalog 377020

 

[57'Rude'Dude]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

Thanks for the info/link...Sounds like I should check the impeller before the first start up attempt? If I drop the lower unit will it be obvious if my impeller is in working order or not? If I do need to replace parts, are lower unit parts hard to find/get?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Starting Procedures 1957 Evinrude

Dont even bother inspecting it, just change it. It is something the needs to be done every few years, so if the age of it is unknown, better safe than sorry. Get an OEM impeller, they are only a couple bucks more than the aftermarket, but will save you hundreds when the hub slips or the drive pin rips through the junk hub. Some of them are also inferior in their thickness.

I know, I know, some guys get off ok using them. However I have about 10 or 15 on a hook above my work bench that others brought me to repair that blew apart after only using them for a few days.

The part number is 0775518