Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

[Clanders]

Have a 1968 85 HP Evinrude that runs real rough at low speed but runs out pretty good. I think might be set too rich but cant seem to find any adjustments on the carbs. Anyone help? Also need help on getting reverse to work better. It is a Selectric shift. Goes good in forward, but has almost no reverse. Shifts into it, but no power.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

Hi Charles.<br /><br />Right on the front of your carb are two low speed idle jets that are adjustable. They go into the carb at an angle. While under way at idle, adjust one needle at a time till you get your best idle. Adjust about 1/8 turn and wait about 15 seconds for response. Remember not to lean it out to much. Once you have found the best idle setting for the jets, turn about 1/4 turn counterclock wise to prevent to lean a mix. Clockwise is lean, Counterclock wise is rich.<br />Now the reverse problem. Does she go good in forward like at WOT? Do you hear any grinding of gears in reverse? Are you sure it shifts into reverse? What type of oil do you use in the gearcase? These questions may help us figure out the reverse problem. Thanks.

 

[Clanders]

Re: Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

I wish I had a manuel on the old thing, we just bought it during the winter. I know it shifts into reverse, as it will barely creep backwards if you throttle up, but there is no gear grinding. Runs pretty good at WOT, about 35 mph, but it is on a pretty heavy boat. 16' Roughneck bass boat. Does this seem to be about normal to you?

 

[Clanders]

Re: Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

Sorry, we are using the OMC gearoil the dealer recommended for that old motor.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

You can get a generic manual from i-boats or contact Ken Cook Associates for a reproduction service manual. Either will have instructions for setting the idle.<br />You should be using Premium C gear lube for your lower unit. It's made for electric shift gear cases. I almost want to say that the prop hub is spun but if ya go good in forward then there may be another problem. When you shift into reverse, can you actually feel it and does the motor drop some RPMs? <br />Just checked a parts breakdown of your lower unit. In the lower unit are two springs that do the actual driving of the prop shaft. One for forward and one for reverse. The solenoid cause them to tighten up around a drum that imparts motion to the prop shaft. The springs have a "***" on them that locks them in place so they don't spin on the hub. If the *** breaks, the spring will not tighten up and you don't have any gear. I'll bet this is what happened to your reverse. The spring just spins the hub enough to move you a little but with no real power. This would mean you will would have to disassemble the gear case to make the repair. Sorry if I didn't just make yer' day.

 

[Clanders]

Re: Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

Thanks for the help. I think that is what the gear oil we are using is called. Do you think that parts for such an oldie would be available thru the dealer or would we have to go thru some kind of salvage place to get them?

 

[Clanders]

Re: Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

The RPM drops a little and there is some back up in reverse but not much at idle like there is in forward. You have to throttle up to get the boat to move very much, and still there is not much reverse there.<br />Thanks for all your help.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Tuning 1968 Evinrude 85HP

If memeory serves, the seals and o-rings are still available. The last time I checked the springs, they to were still available but are very expensive. That's just an OSH*T forwarning. LOL...