1979 70 hp evinrude is it going down for the count or can it be saved

[tim strickland]

I just bought a 1979 70 hp evinrude and a 81 17' boat to carry my twin 5 year old boys fishing. the motor sounded ok and i caried the motor to have the compresion check and it checked ok. So I now own my first real boat, so i carry the boys fishing Saturday and i noticed water coming out where the lower unit bolts the the motor shaft almost like there was a crack but when i look closer it was just above the bolt that holds the lower unit up to the shaft. question #1 is that ok or is there something worng. question #2 is there is a 1" crack in the lower unit right next to the prop so i took the prop of and it look like a exhaust port what do i do about it.<br />Last Question #3 ever time the motor choked of or i cut it off it made a bad squeal almost like a bad berring or metal squealing, I think i have heard that noise in a starter before, but this time it was running and the starter was not being used. Thanks, ahead of time for any help or suggestions that you might give. I really like spending time with my two boys fishing, one of them caught a 17" rock fish that day which made it all worth it. the only problem is i don't have lots of money and really don't want to be stranded on the water with two 5 year olds.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1979 70 hp evinrude is it going down for the count or can it be saved

The water coming out of the mating line between the lower unit housing and the mid section is not unusual and OK. The crack you refer to is not unusual either but you may want to drill a small hole at each end to stop it. Check the lower unit oil to make sure there is no water in it. If there is water, we will deal with that. <br /><br />The squealing noise concerns me. You are correct, it is most likely a bearing. Probably the lower ball bearing. The good news is that it can be replaced fairly easy. If the powerhead comes off easily that is. There is a cap at the bottom of the crank that comes off with 4 bolts to reveal the bearing. The beaing has a lock ring that comes off and the bearing gets pulled off and replaced. Carefully look around to try and locate the noise to verify location first.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[tim strickland]

Re: 1979 70 hp evinrude is it going down for the count or can it be saved

Thanks for the reply, I do not have any sign of water in the lower unit oil, so it sounds like the lower unit will be ok for now. <br />I started the motor last night serval times and no squeal it may only do it whill it is in the water???? I will be out of town for a few days and when i return I will get it in some water and see if i can pin point the location of it.<br />thanks again!