1963 Evinrude 28 HP Flywheel won't turn with plugs in (first ever outboard repair attempt)

[Lowcash2012]

Hi Everyone,

First off I am a complete rookie, I have repaired mowers and such but am new to outboards.

I just bought a used 1963 Evinrude 28HP 28302A longshaft. When I try to pull start I cannot pull the thing, but when I take the plugs out it spins fine and easy. There is about 4 inches of rope and then it just turns into a beast and won't move. I can turn the flywheel by hand both ways. When I turn the flywheel the prop turns (both ways, in gear and out). The prop turns in both forward, reverse, and neutral when I turn by hand (either way doesn't matter). The steering rod from the tiller to the main motor was sheared off.

With the plugs out I can see inside with a flashlight and the pistons do move.

I have basic tools, spark tester, compression tester, flywheel puller, etc. in addition to the usual sockets etc.

Is this a steering linkage issue? Does this sound like I need to remove the lower unit? Or should I pull off the flywheel first to check this out? Do I just need to go to the gym and do some curls?

Thanks for your understanding if this is an easy fix--Again, first time, but you have to start somewhere!

 

[Crosbyman]

does it look like a mechanical .. or just high compression with plugs in

do not reverse the flywheel... impeller fins turn clockwise like the fw

you can drop the LU anyway to change your old impeller.. change the oil look for water .. and while the GC is down see if the problem is above or below by pulling the rope


you are trying to start it at START and NEUTRAL ??

 

[oldboat1]

Check compression so you have a baseline on your motor. Test with plugs out. Pull it over until the needle stops moving, then record finding.

You need a solid stand when trying to pull it over with plugs in -- preferably on the transom of boat, but may not be up to that yet. Agree with above advice.

 

[Lowcash2012]

does it look like a mechanical .. or just high compression with plugs in

do not reverse the flywheel... impeller fins turn clockwise like the fw

you can drop the LU anyway to change your old impeller.. change the oil look for water .. and while the GC is down see if the problem is above or below by pulling the rope


you are trying to start it at START and NEUTRAL ??

I will be honest, i am not sure--i know the lever on the side has fwd reverse and neutral, and I have been trying to pull in neutral. I can build up a better stand, it is on a sawhorse right now. This motor doesnt fit my boat so I cant secure it that way. I have a 55 gallon drum i could hang it in and fill with water.

Since the tiller shaft is busted is there a chance that it is actually in gear still?

My understanding of the shift lever is also pretty weak. I bought this to put on an aluminium rowboat and it is both too long and probably too heavy/powerful for my boat anyway so I am hoping to get her running so I can maybe trade somebody for a smaller one or just sell her outright.

 

[Lowcash2012]

Thanks to both of you BTW. I am learning a lot really fast here!

 

[oldboat1]

If the motor is too big (and probably the wrong shaft length), I think I would sell it as is and look for a smaller one with a regular shaft length. A 9.9 is a good choice -- maybe smaller if you are looking for a fishing motor. Work on a motor you can actually use.