1957 Fastwin Electric 18

[71mpress]

Hi all! I'm in need of some pointers with this 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18 with electric start. Haven't had it on the water yet but I have ran it in a barrel. Usually starts up ok but I'm having a couple issues like the proper setting for the high/low knobs, and it smokes quite a bit with a 24:1 mix(former owner says that's always what he ran). Seems to run pretty strong and smooth, but I want to make sure I have everything in order and properly adjusted before taking it to the lake. I know absolutely nothing about outboards, so any tips or pointers related to this motor would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance, Mark.

 

[F_R]

It is almost impossible to get the H/S the knobs correct in a barrel. If it seems close, run it in the lake and do final adjustments there. You will find it smokes a lot less also. Or, maybe it just isn't so objectionable.

 

[oldboat1]

I haven’t had mine out in about 3 years, but run it in a barrel periodically. My low speed setting is about 1 turn, I think, and the high speed is 1/2 to 3/4 open — working from memory, which is getting to be a little uncertain… Anyway, you may find the best operation is a little leaner than the initial settings (1 1/2 for the l.s., and 1 for the h.s.).

After you make the final h.s. adjustment out on the lake, come back to the l.s. and check that as well. I think I’m running on J4J plugs. Always a 24:1 mix.

 

[71mpress]

Ok, so we took her out yesterday and at first all seemed well...until we got about 500 yards from shore and the motor died. Try as we may, the darn thing would crank and crank but would not start back up and the positive battery terminal was very hot. I unhooked the motor from the battery and decided to troll back to shore...the wind had other plans . My trolling motor wasn't strong enough and we were gradually being pushed backwards. As a last ditch effort, I hooked the 18 back up and realized it wasn't getting fuel...had my wife steadily pump the primer bulb to feed it and we managed to get it running in 10 second increments and limped back to shore 20 feet at a time...my quick test run turned into a 4 hour fiasco. What would cause the fuel delivery issue? This thing supposedly has a new upgraded fuel pump...diaphragm maybe?

 

[Chinewalker]

Fuel system needs to be clean, vented and clear of obstructions. How was the fuel pump installed? Depending on who installed it, they may have left out a step.

 

[oldboat1]

No offense to 71impress, who may be cleaning up somebody else”s mistakes — but a quick rant….

What in heck is the thing against pressure tanks?? The first thing newbies seem to do is install a fuel pump, without even knowing whether their ‘50s motor runs (or why it doesn’t). Pressure tanks and their connectors are pretty easily available. Only one is needed, maybe for multiple motors -- and rebuild parts are likewise available.

In terms of combined cost and frustration, a pressure tank might often be cheaper than a fuel pump conversion.

[end of rant]

 

[flyingscott]

Is this a tiller or remote model?

 

[71mpress]

Not sure how it was installed but it was done by a reputable shop...the previous owner had it done and I have the receipt somewhere. So, yes I'm cleaning up someone else's mess. I have the remote model. I did find that the quick connect from the tank to the engine is leaking so I just picked up a new one. Will try that as soon as I can. Could that be part of the issue here?

 

[F_R]

Absolutely!! ANY leak anywhere between the fuel pump and fuel level in the tank will not only let fuel out, it will also let air in. And air is lighter than fuel, so guess which one the pump lifts. Or at least tries to lift. Fuel pumps are lousy at pumping air.

 

[oldboat1]

^^+1. Sounds like it's got a chance, and you have a shop to check in with for any conversion issues or questions.

 

[82rude]

Make sure the vent on the tank is open also!Not meant as an insult but that's probably the worlds number one reason why outboards don't run properly.Done it myself .

 

[71mpress]

Alright guys, I think we may be onto something ☺. I'll report back after I'm able to get back to the lake. I greatly appreciate all of the replies!