1974 6HP Evinrude resurrection

[BigBaitBigFish]

Hey Everyone,

My family has had a 6HP Evinrude sitting for 15+ yrs in storage...I have no clue what precautions (if any) were taken when it was put away, but it was in working order at the time. I am going to spend a week at the vacation home in May where it is and hope to fulfill a dream I've had for many years to bring it back to life. I'm an amateur outboard mechanic...I've owned a number of them through the years and am handy enough to figure most of the basic things out (VRO replacement, trim motor replacement, etc...).

My question to the eagles here: what should I anticipate? since i have a short time window what should I pre-order to have on hand (spark plugs, carb cleaner, starter fluid, water pump kit, etc...)? Do I swap spark plugs and just give it a rip? Or take the time to check certain things first? Should I even bother with this endeavor or scrap it for parts on craigslist?

Evinrude Fisherman
Model: 6403-C
Serial: J0001307

I plan on documenting and sharing the experience here for others to learn (and/or laugh)

Thanks in advance for your answers...

BBBF

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1974 6HP Evinrude resurrection

That's a nice motor you have there. New spark plugs, fresh fuel/oil mix and see what happens. An air gap spark tester, compression tester, and some fresh lower unit oil (with new drain plug seals) will tell you what the motor needs. Stay away from the starting fluid. Fresh fuel/oil mix is the way to go. Without a doubt, the carb will need to be cleaned but try it like it is anyway.

 

[racerone]

Re: 1974 6HP Evinrude resurrection

The most common thing to go wrong is the coils crack.----The plastic ages and cracks.------Most of these motor now have 2 cracked coils or 2 new ones installed already.---Pull the flywheel off and have a look.

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: 1974 6HP Evinrude resurrection

If you get it working you will definitely need to change the impeller. You could wait until you verify that the motor works if you want, but keep an eye on the water pump indicator in case of failure. If you don't see water coming out within 15 to 20 seconds, shut her down.

 

[racerone]

Re: 1974 6HP Evinrude resurrection

Water should come out at the exhaust relief in about 3 seconds.--These motors are some of the best / easiest / cheapest motors to own.--Far better then some of the new plastic offshore motors.

 

[BigBaitBigFish]

Re: 1974 6HP Evinrude resurrection

What about using something like Sea Foam fuel additive to help clean things out....used on another outboard (1970s Evinrude Fastwin 18hp) recently that changed a rough idle into a smooth one.

 

[BigBaitBigFish]

Re: 1974 6HP Evinrude resurrection

I ordered a service manual online!! This should hopefully be a wise move....

Lead time on shipped parts for the short time I'm there is not positive and local supply is likely limited...I'm willing to buy anything that makes sense ahead of time that I would possibly need to replace. If I don't use it now, it will probably need replacing down the road, so no harm buying it now.

What should be on my list?

Spark Plugs
Water Pump Kit
Coils?
Impeller?

I know there are many other random parts that could break, but it seems these are more routine offenders.

Thoughts?