1978 115 hp Evinrude

[caseycoufal]

Recently purchased a 94 cajun with a the above stated motor. Got it to crank but no water flow. Replaced impeller, cranked it with the aid of starting fluid impeller not working. Started again today, still with the aid of starting fluid, still no water. Ran water through exit valve on engine block. Water appeared to run through lower unit unobstructed. Cylinder 2 and 4 had steam coming out when spark plugs take out. Those also looked steam cleaned. Cylinder 2 has no compression, others had similar to one another but don’t remember compression. I’m not sure if it would be best to replace heads and gaskets then address cylinder 4 when heads are off. Also thinking about buying a rebuilt block that should last a while. I’m new to outboard motors so any advice on options would be appreciated.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Not a good idea to use starting fluid on outboards.

 

[racerone]

Pull the port side head off.-----Likely you will find broken piston rings.-----The fact is that everyone of the crossflow engines will suffer that fate.

 

[TyeeMan]

Find a different, newer outboard, preferably not a OMC (Johnson/Evinrude) product. When I had outboards Johnsons' and Evinrudes were all I had. But, they have been out of business for many years, , I think since about 1995 or so, so parts will be hard to find if not impossible.

 

[racerone]

Most parts are easy to find if you know how / where to look.

 

[JimS123]

Evinrude went out of business in 2019. More OMC parts are available than any other outboard.

That said, the cost to fix a 42 year old motor with that many problems will be more than it is worth.

 

[racerone]

BRP stopped making the big E-tecs and E-tec G2 motors for now.-----They are still providing parts for Evinrudes.-----In fact many parts for older Evinrudes are easier to get than many newer motors , all brand names !

 

[caseycoufal]

Thank y’all for the replies. Looked at motor a little more. Found bolts on heads to be very loose. Didn’t check with tourque wrench but most bolts turned with barely any force. Also majority of bolts on water jacket were loose as well. Prolly won’t solve 0 compression in cylinder 2 but maybe enough air leaking in would cause not enough suction thus water from impeller not reaching the motor? Gonna try tourque bolts then cranking and seeing if water is flowing. I know this could end up costing more than motors worth, but planning on removing heads and checking for obvious causes. Then I think I’ll replace gaskets and heads and gaskets on water jacket. Any other ideas on what else should be checked and or replaced?

 

[racerone]

If head bolts were loose then perhaps someone looked in there.----Saw the damage and stuck heads back on.-----And not sure what you are thinking about with the statement ----" not enough suction thus water from impeller not reaching the motor "----Has me baffled so to speak.----Post pictures of top of pistons when heads are off.-----Every one of these motors has or will suffer from broken piston rings.

 

[caseycoufal]

So, I had no compression in cylinder two. Took off head and here is what’s inside. Any ideas?

 

[racerone]

Second picture shows the typical damage from a broken piston ring.

 

[caseycoufal]

So do you recommend replacing piston rings and piston? What about honing? I’m assuming I should go ahead and replace gaskets while the heads are off.