1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

[63seasprite]

I recently acquired a 57 5.5 hp Evinrude that I would like to get running again. The motor won't turn over by pulling the rope. If I turn the flywheel with my hands it moves but is tight. The lower unit is locked and prop won't spin at all. I assume this means I need to replace almost all internal engine components or can I just tear down, clean up, lube and reassemble? I have a 1958 5.5 Evinrude I can use for some parts. It ran up until last year when the water pump went out and the motor locked up. Any suggestions from anyone? Where is a good place to get parts? Thanks.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

The first step is to remove the lower unit in order to determine if it is the powerhead or the lower unit that is causing the binding.<br /><br />Note that on that engine, it will probably necessitate removing the powerhead in order to remove the lower unit (shift linkage nuts) which will reveal the component that's binding at that point anyway. However it's a good idea to check the water pump even if the lower unit is perfect.

 

[Droll]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

Looks like you got yourself a nice job <br />The first task would be to remove the powerhead ,find out where the problem is .<br />You shuld take it a part , the parts you need is :<br />crankshaft + rods + powerhead ( can be rebored ?).<br />The rest, you can replac IF they are not up to spec .<br />If you are lucky , you only need new rings , some gaskets ,maybe some bearings and time .<br />+ new waterpump (impaller ) <br /> <br /> Parts ?

 

[63seasprite]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

Thanks for the advice. Is there a way I can test the points and condensors under the flywheel? If not, I can just grab the ones off the motor that ran. Also, wouldn't a J6 or J4C be the plug to run? lastly, let me grab the serial and model #s off of it tonite, so I can verify the year. I was told it was a 57, but this is what confuses me. My 58 has the old style rounded metal hood that opens like a clamshell. The motor in question has a 1 piece all plastic/fiberglass hood. I would think that the plastic hood came later than the metal hoods. The 58 is a dark blue, the supposed 57 is a light greenish blue. Any ideas? I'm think it is newer than a 57.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

Here's a picture of a '57. Mabey you have a newer cowling.<br />All 5.5's of that era run a champion J6J (now J6C) plug.<br />There's no effective way of testing the condensor or coil but to try it. If the points associated with one condenser are all burnt, it's bad. If the coil has cracks in the plastic encapsulation, then it's bad (it _will_ arc over or go bad from picking up moisture). Napa autoparts can sell you a new one for ~$20, or cheaper on the web. Points and condensors can be had for it cheap too.<br />Adjust points to open 0.020 max.<br />Manuals can be purchased from Iboats.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

a blue-green Evinrude? I think you need to get a model number first, and check to see what year you have. Keep in mind that you may have an interesting mix of Johnson and Evinrude parts, so even the model number might not be revealing -- but start there. You may not need to remove the powerhead to take off the lower unit (might find a little window on the side of the leg that gives you access to the shift rod connection). If you have a fiberglass top, and if it goes with the head, the powerhead at least is post-1960.<br /><br />sounds interesting....

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

Oh, I misread your post - your trying to get a (turning) '57? to run, and have a siezed '58 for parts? The first thing you need to do is check spark. If you don't have any, those cracked coils I mentioned are most likely the culprit.

 

[63seasprite]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

Thanks for the picture and yes, I must have a much newer motor. That pic looks identical to my 58. The supposed motor has a 1 piece square hood that slants in the back. I'm now guessing it's an early 60's model. Thanks for all your help and I love the old pics! Where do you get those?

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1957 Evinrude 5.5hp rebuild

Hello.<br />Very often when engines have been laying around for a long time they "stiffen" up.<br />You should try to take the plugs out and put some oil in the cylinder/s .Now work the flywheel a bit until you can pull the rope and it turns over.Spray some 1:12 mixture in the carburator and pull the starter rope.Not to try to start it mind you,but to get some oil past the reeds.Once everything is lubricated it may just behave a lot better.If you are in luck.Put the plugs back in and while spraying some fuel/oil mix (1:24)give that rope a few good pulls and say a little prayer.<br />It worked for me on my engines.<br />Good luck.<br />ps. Always when you try to start it make sure you have your lower unit in the water(barrel) deep enough for your pump to sit uder water