Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

[IndyRL]

Hey all,<br /><br />(FYI Info on my request is below if you care to skip this short explanation - Also, there are several pictures, but total file size is > 1 MB, I hope this is OK, I saw no restrictions on this...) <br /><br />My father just purchased a used 16ft fishing boat. He has a way of jumping into things head first thinking people always have his best interests in mind and I'm afraid he may have been took. This is the first fishing boat he's had (well, besides aluminum river boats), and he's really excited about it (so I'm trying to be as positive as I can with him about it). But I just can't help but think there were much better deals out there than this for the price he paid. I'm hoping to get as much information I can in order to help him get this fixed without getting taken to the cleaners...<br /><br />The boat is old, but seems to be in pretty good condition for the most part and shouldn't be the source of any problems (I hope), but now for the engine.<br /><br />The model number is a 60ESL-71C (60HP, ESL??, 71 = 1971?, C = ?) <br /><br />I just got my first look at it today and took several pictures in order to make it easier on anyone willing to assist.<br /><br /> He was told that the only problem with this engine was the ignition (But I think he was told a lot of lines). He wasn't home when I checked this out, but I was told that when he tried to start it, it turned over fine, but then died - sorry I have no other info on that, but I'll have to wait to get more details when I can stop by again and see him sometime this week. After I do some reading up on this I plan on taking another look at the boat. If the problem is the ignition, I'm not sure how to go about obtaining a replacement, (searched google and ebay, no luck) I'm also not sure if the whole unit would need replaced or if it is made up of component pieces that can be purchased individually (Being that this is so old, I'm not sure what the best way is to buy parts in the first place)... Here's a pic of the ignition:<br /><br />

<br /><br />The help I need is this, besides buying a new engine, where is the best place to start. I may be interested in some do it yourself work, but really I just want to make sure my dad doesn't get taken to the cleaners when he goes to get this fixed.<br /><br />(Here's more pics)<br /><br />The propeller is almost completely destroyed, you can really tell this boat has been beat up pretty good (if it's 35 years old I guess it should be expected):<br /><br />

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<br /><br />Some sideview (starboard) pics of the uncovered engine:<br /><br />

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<br /><br />Another sideview (port):<br /><br />

<br /><br />Rearview Pic:<br /><br />

<br /><br />Top down pic showing timing:<br /><br />

<br /><br />I was thinking of purchasing this book to see if it may help at all as far as getting familiar with the construction of this so a mechanic can't BS his way through this and charge way more than he should: Amazon Book, and was planning on helping him find a local mechanic here in Indianapolis that could take a look and give him an estimate.<br /><br />If anyone who can help has more questions or information, I will try to post it ASAP if you could please explain what might help...<br /><br />Any other advice and all responses are greatly appreciated, thanks!<br /><br />Also, I'd like to post some wider angle pics that show the whole boat and get some other posters' opinions on what a fair price would have been sometime this week...

 

[IndyRL]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

By the way, I just wanted to say that I don't plan on taking a 48 hour crash course on this engine and then going to a service center so I can tell them what their business is, I simply want to help make an informed purchase.<br /><br />I don't expect anyone to lay everything out for me from A to Z, any help is appreciated, links for more info, other boards, whatever....<br /><br />BTW, if anyone is familiar with the Indianapolis area and knows of any good service centers/boat shops to take an old engine like this, that would be very appreciated as well...<br /><br />Thanks again for any help!

 

[mjash]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

I would think the first order of business is checking compression. If that is ok in all cylinders...shouldnt be too much of a problem.

 

[llfish]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

Buy a good Manual

 

[alden135]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

Mark and Larry are right. If you want to save some $ do the following:<br /><br />1. Buy or borrow a compression tester. Do a search on the forum to see how it's done.<br /><br />2. If compression is ok, spend the money for a factory service manual. They are actually easier to use than the seloc/clymer/etc.<br /><br />3. Start going through the troublecheck items in the book. You can get help here along with book. You'll be checking for spark etc.<br /><br />4. I'd suggest that you try to do what you can yourself. It won't take many hours of labor at the dealer to be more $ than what that thing is worth. <br /><br />5. If you feel you need a professional, talk to others for references. Many good and bad dealers. The good ones are priceless. Many of the good ones contribute to these forums, I just wish they were nearer my house. <br /><br />Also, if you get it running, DO NOT run it without muffs or in a test tank. You should change waterpump impeller if you get the thing going.

 

[alden135]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

BTW, I was impressed with your post. Good details and pics. You even made sure to include the mod. # I don't think my first couple posts were nearly that complete. Lots of new posters title the post. "won't start." then the post goes like this. " bought motor, won't start."<br /><br />Thanks for all the info and I'm sure the pro's will appreciate the pics.

 

[mikeyzx2]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

Indy, first off welcome to our cozy littly forum <br /><br />I've heard alot of good things about the older Johnsons so maybe that'll be a positive start. You can purchase a factory service manual from www.kencook.com or www.marineengine.com it's about 45 bucks but well worth it as it's specific to your engine. The three basic things to check for, and a couple are mentioned above are the compression, spark, and fuel. <br /><br />It looks like the motor could have been better taken care of but aside from that you said it turned over but died. Who knows when the carbs were last overhauled. Two stroked don't like to set up any over a period of time so I would invest in carb kits. And if possible soak the carb bodies in cleaner and then blow out the passages with compressed air. <br /><br />And chunk that beat up prop, it like having a set of worn out tires on your car. You can find a decent replacement on ebay more than likely. I don't know if it's worth repairing but that's up to you. <br /><br />You'll find a wealth of info on this forum if you do some searching, as there are hundreds of posts on here just like yours.

 

[karrick]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

Hey INDY,<br /><br />I have the exact same motor. I found the wires on the power pack to be very brittle and one was open. I guess it all depends on how the motor was stored/treated etc. I looked for a new one when I noticed the damaged wires and remember them being a couple hundred bucks. I cannot remember where I found it though. I dig through my bookmarks and try to find it for ya.<br /> I don't know of any local dealers as I did all the work/maintenance myself. I bought mine on a '71 17ftStarcraft on a Spartan tilt trailer for $500. The boat did need a new floor/transom and waterpump/plugs/fuel lines for the motor. Hope this gives you a rough estimate of what it would be worth although I feel I got a great deal on it. I have this manual

and have found it helpful but not a good as a dealer manual would be. I would love to help in any way I can. I would also like to have a solid parts motor if your interested in selling. I would be more than happy to take a look at it if you want. <br /><br />Good Luck<br />karrick_hutchinson@yahoo.com

 

[Merrill]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

The dealers around here will not work on any thing over 20 years old or so. Get your manual and parts book of ebay. I get my parts from this site and tcoutboard.com. I have wished many times that I lived next to some of the experts on this board. There is a chance that the seller was straight up with your dad and there is nothing major wrong. Good luck!

 

[reeldutch]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

good job on the pics,<br /><br />as far as i can tell this moter is from before 74.<br />if i'm not mistaken it is an electric shift.<br /><br />before you spend any money on it and get into it deep you should consider if you realy like fixing this motor and have enough time and resources before buying carb kits and other stuff.<br />a new prop will cost you about 90 to 130 dollars.<br />ignition components like powerpack or stator if you have to buy new will cost you about another 250 dollars.<br />trow in a waterpump and thermostat plus gaskets<br />add 75 dollars.<br />and if you find out theres a problem with the gearcase good luck finding one.<br /><br />so is it worth to fix???????????????<br />depends on if you want to do it and if you are going to be happy with it.<br /><br />my guess is you will have to spend between 500 and 750 befor it will run the way it should.<br /><br />if it was my motor i would check compression.<br />check gearcase vacuum and pressure test.<br />does it shift ok?????<br /><br />if these checked out ok i would repair and tune this baby up.<br /><br />ones they run good there reliable.<br /><br />good luck reeldutch

 

[karrick]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

The 71 is a hydroelectic shift. Somewhere on the forums there is a great post about the ins and outs of the hydro-elec gearcase operation. I cannot remember who wrote it though. If someone could post the link it would be very helpful if you have to troubleshoot the gearcase. <br /> As long as the motor hasn't been abused, I would expect compression to be good. I checked mine a couple months ago just for curiousity and all three were 150psi +/-3. <br />I just reread your post and the prop is is bad shape. A prop that is out of balance (missing chunks) might damage the L/U shaft seals and allow water into it. You might check the L/U fluid to see if there is any water in it. Assuiming the motor hasn't been turned over for a day or so, you could see water drain out before oil. Or the oil can be very milky being another tale-tell that water is in there. Keep in mind that when replacing the fluid you need to use OMC premium blend specially designed for Hydro-elec L/Us. <br /><br />Good Luck

 

[mjash]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

You would be surprised what you could find on ebay to fix her up...Just check sellers feeback to make sure they are honest. You will be able to find props, ignition parts, lower units....just about anything you will need.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

One thing that kinda bothers me is the boat wiring harness. If I remember correctly -- and I may not -- the harness with the yellow plug was not for a battery CD ignition, which is what the motor is.

 

[IndyRL]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

Thanks for all the responses everyone, I appreciate all the feedback very much. I can see that my first step is going to be running a compression test on all of the cylinders. I've searched through the forums and found many helpful tips on doing this, and I should be able to get my hands on a kit later this week.<br /><br />Karrick, Mike and Alden, thanks for all the great stuff to look into, your suggestions sound like a perfect place to start. And reeldutch, I'll definitely be mulling over your points, I plan on looking at numbers hard once I get more info on what is wrong with it for sure. If it gets upwards of $500-700 (that's the number my brother guestimated also), I'll be looking for at possible options for sure. But for now I'm going to hope my dad got lucky and it isn't that bad... I gotta start on the optimistic side and let reality slam into me if it must! (and to be honest, when you look at it up top, it doesn't really look that bad, maybe the guy just got his rocks off going deep up into coves looking for that super bass that likes to hide right there at the point...) <br /><br />Thanks to everyone else too, I'll be buying a manual this week without a doubt.<br /><br />So I'll be going this route, and when I get some results, I'll let you guys know how it went:<br /><br />1.) Compression Test<br />2.) If the compression checks out, get carb kits and go to town<br />3.) Hopefully by the time these things are done FedEx or UPS will be dropping off a manual <br />4.) Get back with the admirals and the good ole boys here and take inventory of where I'm at! <br /><br />Dhadley, I'll look for more info on the wiring harness and hopefully jog your memory...<br /><br />I plan on running the compression test tomorrow or Thursday, and if that checks out, I'll get the old man to help de-carp this beast of '71 over the weekend...<br /><br />Thanks again everyone, this help is great and I'm always amazed at how great of a resource the internet is to get in touch with people with so much knowledge and insight into so many things. It's always good to know you're never too far away from expert info like this! I really appreciate it...

 

[reeldutch]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

before you realy run this moter to do a decarb,<br />make shure your waterpump works.<br />you do not want to overheat this motor.<br />also check if the motor gets to operating temp before decarbing it.<br /><br />sounds like you are on your way.<br /><br />good luck.<br /><br />take a look with a little time and money what you can do:<br /><br />before<br /> http://groups.msn.com/outboardpictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=20 <br /><br />after<br /> http://groups.msn.com/outboardpictures/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=19

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Need friendly help, Johnson/Evinrude 60HP ESL-71C (***Pics)

Before you try to run it I'd make sure the wiring is correct. If its not you stand a chance on burning up that CD unit and they arent cheap. And if you replace it you may burn up the new one. <br /><br />Start from square one. You have a bunch of mis-matched pieces.