Changing Lower Unit on a 33hp Evinrude

[tdorval]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the forums and had a quick question. I'm looking at buying a 1968 starcraft aluminum boat with a 33hp evinrude. It seems like a good deal. The engine supposedly needs the lower unit changed as it is cracked from poor winterization apparently. The guy already has a replacement lower unit that comes with the package. I was curious how difficult this job should be, both my father and I are very mechanically inclined, but I don't have much experience working on outboards. I will likely pick up a repair manual for it that should walk me through it, but I just wanted to see if I was getting in to a big job or not before I made a purchase. Also, what mixture should the engine be mixed at? Any other info is more than welcome, they sound like decent motors from what I've read. Will the 33hp idle low enough for trolling or will she need a kicker?

Thanks in advance,
TJ

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Changing Lower Unit on a 33hp Evinrude

as long as the lowers are the same its about a 10 to 20 minute job,very ,very simple.i have a 1970 33 and its a very good torquee motor and yes it will troll.50:1 on the mix.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Changing Lower Unit on a 33hp Evinrude

Pretty easy to change the lower unit on that one. 7 bolts hold it on, and you have to disconnect the shift rod. There is an oval plate on the side of the leg. Just remove the cover and you will see the shift coupler. Remove the lower bolt and the shift rod will slide free of the coupler, and the lower unit will drop down. Make sure to put a new water pump impeller in the replacement lower unit, and drain the gear oil and refill. You could also pressure test the new lower to see if any of the seals are leaking. Run a 50:1 gasil mix. Use TCW-3 oil - you can ge the Walmart brand for about $11.00 a gallon. That is a nice motor and should idle down fine for trolling. I have a 1957 35hp and it trolls all day at 2 mph.

 

[tdorval]

Re: Changing Lower Unit on a 33hp Evinrude

Thats awesome to hear guys. Makes the engine repair less of a deciding factor on purchasing. Also good to hear she should troll down. Does anyone know if the waterpump impellers are generally on hand or an order item at a shop? I would think they should be pretty easy to acquire still. Also is there a gasket needed for the lower unit swap? I would think so but it hasn't been mentioned. I was planning on draining the lower and using new oil are there any preferences as to oil type for the lower unit? Thanks for all the other info, you guys are very helpful.

Have a good one,
TJ

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Changing Lower Unit on a 33hp Evinrude

Yes, waterpumps are readily available, here, or at your local marine supply.

 

[cp1109]

Re: Changing Lower Unit on a 33hp Evinrude

Here is where I get my parts they are awesome
http://www.maxrules.com/fixomcindex.html hope this helps u out.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Changing Lower Unit on a 33hp Evinrude

Thats awesome to hear guys. Makes the engine repair less of a deciding factor on purchasing. Also good to hear she should troll down. Does anyone know if the waterpump impellers are generally on hand or an order item at a shop? I would think they should be pretty easy to acquire still. Also is there a gasket needed for the lower unit swap? I would think so but it hasn't been mentioned. I was planning on draining the lower and using new oil are there any preferences as to oil type for the lower unit? Thanks for all the other info, you guys are very helpful.

Have a good one,
TJ

No gasket for the L/U swap. Just make sure the o-ring is in place at the top of the driveshaft. Also, when you refill the lower unit, use new gaskets/washers on the drain and vent bolts. These are the major cause for water intrusion into the lower unit. Use a marine grade 80-90wt gear oil. I use the generic Walmart brand with good results.