Evinrude 50ESL73R - Powerhead rotation?

[marleywars]

The starter on this should spin clockwise correct? meaning the powerhead should rotate counterclockwise (when looking down upon)? Seems backwards to me. Secondly, what does the R mean in the model number 50ESL73R. E=Evinrude, S=???, L=Shaft length. Does the motor run in an opposite rotation, hence the R. Either way, when I engage the starter with power, it rotates to me the wrong way because the teeth don't climb up the grooves. It just spins. Has the polarization of the motor reversed? Your help is appreciated.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

I think that is a johnson model number.

 

[marleywars]

Sorry......you are right. The cowling should have given that away. This is my third early 70's motor. The first two were Evinrudes. That being said, does that make a difference regarding rotation?

 

[hardwater fisherman]

I think it should turn clockwise.

 

[marleywars]

That is what I thought too. Everything I've owned prior and have seen on youtube looks like the powerhead should rotate clockwise.. I think I am going to go stare at it a while longer and wonder WTF am I missing.

Well I know the starter spins the right way if it is supposed to go counterclockwise, so as to spin the powerhead clockwise. It is just the starter doesn't "climb" to engage the powerhead. That seems to be the issue. Now how to solve?

 

[interalian]

Lube your bendix if it doesn't climb when you crank. Or your battery or connections are dodgy.

 

[marleywars]

I think you're dead on. I put a little PB blaster on it, will remove the nut and grease it too. Also, the battery may be a little low and it is not getting enough juice. Appreciate it and it seems my questions are getting answered by your expertise. Thanks.

 

[flyingscott]

I think you're dead on. I put a little PB blaster on it, will remove the nut and grease it too. Also, the battery may be a little low and it is not getting enough juice. Appreciate it and it seems my questions are getting answered by your expertise. Thanks.

Don't put grease on it use a good light oil oil on it. The grease can cause the bendix to stick

 

[marleywars]

Will do. That makes sense. Thanks for the timely response.

 

[marleywars]

Two steps forward, one step back. Was able to get the starter to crank over good and engage the flywheel. However, that only worked with the plugs out (minus the compression). Even if I just put one plug in and left the other open, then the crank rate was very slow. I had the gas engaged and also checked the spark from the coils. Coils looked to be sending good juice to the spark plugs. Haven't replaced the plugs at this time but seems inconsequential. I tried another battery too just to see if that was it but nothing much changed. I thought if it would fire just slightly that would help the rotation but that didn't seem to happen. Plugs, when pulled had enough gas stink to suggest it is getting to the chamber. Suggestions?

Also, I have been "jumping" it by putting a positive jumper cable to the positive of the starter and the negative jumper cable to the body of the motor. How right or wrong is that?

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Maybe time for you to inspect the starter. Sometimes it needs just cleaning inside or maybe new brushes.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Is the battery you are using a known good battery?

 

[marleywars]

I had two starters to work with so maybe that isn't it. I tried my marine starter battery (definitely not new) and then pulled even my car battery to see if that would work. They both performed the same. I will run through both suggestions.

 

[boobie]

Take the starter apart and check it. Then check ALL your battery cable connections.