Restoring my 5.5 h.p. 1961 Evinrude

[sailing1258]

She ran like a top until I ran the wrong fuel mixture through her (50:1 rather than 24:1). After running it hard on a boating trip, I realized my mistake. (It kept dying for no apparent reason, but it never froze up). With the correct fuel mixture, I can't keep it running. Can I have ruined the motor? What should be the minimum acceptable compression for this old motor? I have cracks in the coils. Did overheating do this? What logical steps should I take to bring this motor back the way it was?

 

[lindy46]

Re: Restoring my 5.5 h.p. 1961 Evinrude

If it didn't freeze up, chances are no damage was done. You need to replace those coils. They're probably causing the running problems. Compression should be 60-65psi minimum and even over both cylinders. If compression is good, then go ahead and replace the coils, points, plugs and clean/rebuild the carb. And change the impeller if in unknown condition.

 

[JB]

Re: Restoring my 5.5 h.p. 1961 Evinrude

A good rope start outboard can compress as little as 50psi. The important thing is getting the same psi +/-15% on both cylinders.