1975 Evinrude 115 - Advice for new owner?

[guitarplaya39]

Greetings all,

I recently acquired an old tri-hull with a 1975 Evinrude 115 and I was wondering if anyone had some advice on initial maintenance or things to look out for with this outboard. She seems to run great at all speeds so far. Looks like it's been serviced recently - new gaskets on heads, plug wires, couple new parts, compression number written on heads... Service history is not available though. Looks like a newer lower unit too.
Is there any specific two stroke oil I should use with these older units? Should I run some type of treatment through it? I've never owned a 2 stroke outboard and I'd like to keep it running as good as it does now.

What would you do? (besides avoid getting one in the first place lol)

 

[F_R]

Any outboard oil that is Certified TCW-3 by the NMMA and bears the NMMA logo on the label is fine. Beware of the stuff that does not bear the logo. That means it is not certified. In other words it has not been tested OR it was tested and flunked. It may be better or worse---question is who knows??

 

[racerone]

Install a new impeller.-----Do a compression test yourself for future reference.----Post the numbers.------Run with the correct propeller for the boat and what you are doing with it.-----Make sure no water gets into the lower unit oil.---Check often.-----Mix good oil at 50:1 on that fine motor.

 

[guitarplaya39]

Thanks for the input! What's a good place to get parts for this motor?

 

[racerone]

Any good marine shop or BRP dealer will get you the parts.----It helps if you look online to get part numbers.----In some places older motors are not " looked down on " and help is easy to get and cheaper than some new motors.

 

[guitarplaya39]

Ok Cool. I've spend more time on the water sailing, so this is a whole new beast for me. Is there a way to check the oil in the lower unit without having to drain it? Any early warning signs I should look for?

 

[racerone]

Gearcases can be pressure tested to look for signs of leakage.------Seals do wear out over time.

 

[heypawpaw]

Remove just the bottom plug and oil leaks out slowly for inspection. Greyish color means water intrusion and further attention needed. Also check for metal filings on plug. Being new to you even if all looks good, changing oil is recommended. New gaskets recommended on fill and drain plugs also.