1976 Evinrude 135 - tilt/trim seal?

[mitchum10]

Hi.... new to the site... and just purchased a 1976 Baha with a 135 hp Evinrude. Boat has run fine for the first few times, but just noticed a leak at the seal on one of the hydraulic cylinders about midway up. I asked a mechanic about it and he says they were an aftermaket thought by OMC (tilt and trim) so that finding a replacement seal/kit is virtually impossible.... Is this true or are there some universal seals that might work... Can provide pics if that would help? One guy told me to live with it, and just use vegetable oil - said it was no better than hydraulic fluid and wouldn't pollute the water???
Can I just run it, by filling it up every time or is there a seal kit I can get to fix it?

Also, can anyone tell me what to watch out for on these engines? Mechanic told me I need a new 'pack' on one of the cylinders, and recommended replacing all at the same time... Does this sound logical or advisable?

Original boat owner had the boat his entire life and used it rarely, engine and boat came together and look virtually new, but am wondering if a motor this old is worth sinking any money into?

Have been told that in good condition these old Evinrude 4's are pretty reliable ( as compared to the e-tec engines from the 90's)... Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.....

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 135 - tilt/trim seal?

Bombardier may still make individual trim cylinder oring kits for your unit. Ask them about 174520. You can access excellent parts diagrams from the Bombardier website for your engine: epc.brp.com. There is only one power pack on that year's model. These old engines ran well and were sold by the thousands years ago. With some good maintenance, you should get may years of good service from it. You might want to consider a new impeller and a new thermostat prior to taking it out for a long voyage.

 

[mitchum10]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 135 - tilt/trim seal?

Thanks...

I'll look into Bombardier...

The boat is 1976, and according to what I've researched, the motor came with it...

Should I be asking Bombardier if they have the seal or is it an entire kit?

Thanks....

 

[mitchum10]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 135 - tilt/trim seal?

had the mechanic out today to replace the power pack on one of the cylinders... And, it turns out that each cylinder has a power pack, so perhaps the engine is earlier that '76... Can you tell me where I might find the year?

It runs great now, but the old mechanic said that when one goes, the others are likely not far behind??? Sound reasonable or likely?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 135 - tilt/trim seal?

That engine has only one power pack, but does have 4 coils-one for each cylinder/spark plug. Usually the coils are fairly reliable. They don't have to be replaced in "sets" unless they were all cracked and did not meet electrical specs. Evidently your mechanic knows what he is doing, since it runs fine. The model number on the engine indicates the year. A 76 135 Evinrude model code will be either a 135643 or 135683.

 

[mitchum10]

Re: 1976 Evinrude 135 - tilt/trim seal?

Thanks very much for you help... You're right, my terminology was off, it was one of the "coils"... had been running on 3 cylinders, but am now back to 4...

Will look into Bombardier for the seal kit for the trim/tilt, as my location on a sandy beach, as well as the boat itself really benefit from having a working trim/tilt...

I will take some pics tomorrow of where the leak on the trim/tilt cylinder is, and post them here so I can hopefully confirm the correct kit I will need to order - assuming I can find from Bombardier or anyone else that you might think might have them...

Again, I appreciate you taking the time to write, and answer my questions

Cheers,
Mitchum