1968 Evinrude 55 Triumph

[Mikko]

I wrote sometimes ago that I tried to start my engine with good cranking but I didn't succeed. No spark. Last week I did a new trial with brand new battery (75Ah). First while cranking, I thought that it will never start but then it FIRED with thick blue exhaust from the oil I have put into the cylinders for two year storage outside. I always run it until the stop with unplugged gas hose before winter storage and I quess this is why it took some time to fire. I run couple of miles and I was very happy to see that there is no ignition problem. I just need a good battery since the engine is not charging the battery at all.<br /><br />Now we are waiting for snow here in Finland and because the lakes will get frozen (last winter 1 meter thick ice on them!) I'll come back to "business" next summer.<br /><br />Mikko

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 55 Triumph

Mikko.... Glad to hear that you finally got your engine running. However, you should never run the engine completely out of fuel intentionally.<br /><br />The reason being, is that the top carburetor will run out of fuel before the lower carburetors do, then the engine will continue to run on the two lower carburetors. Eventually the center carburetor will run low and run lean etc.<br /><br />This results in at least one aluminum piston runing up and down a steel cylinder wall with improper lubrication (or none at all). Really not a good idea.<br /><br />Drain the carburetors properly by removing the carburetor face plate and removing the lower front bolt on the bottom of the float chambers.

 

[steviecops]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 55 Triumph

Joe.<br />Could you clarify this for me please? I have been told to always un-plug the fuel line and let the engine run out of petrol, as if you leave petrol in the carbs, it will cause problems, ie, guming up, etc. From what you have said, that is bad advice.<br /><br />What is the best thing for me to do in between trips? I have a 1980 Johnson 55, and I usually have one fishing trip per week. However, there are times when due to bad weather, ( this is England after all!), I can't get out for maybe 3 or 4 weeks. Will it hurt to leave petrol in my carbs for , say, 4 weeks?<br /><br />If so, how do I drain them? Also, does this apply to single carb engines?<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br />Steve

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 55 Triumph

Steve.... Your carbs can be drained as stated above. Unlikely you'll need to do that procedure if the engine will be sitting no longer than what you state. Just shut the engine off.<br /><br />A single carb engine can be run out of fuel. When that carb runs out, the engine stops running.

 

[Mikko]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 55 Triumph

Joe, thanks for a good advice. I have always let it run out of gas and never thought that the upper cylinder could run without proper lubrication! By idling it can run almost two minutes with unplugged gas line. Not good!<br /><br />Mikko

 

[steviecops]

Re: 1968 Evinrude 55 Triumph

Thanks Joe, a very important lesson learned here.<br /><br />This site really is excellent.