I bought a 1979 55 hp Evinrude about a year ago and the man said it ran like a top. I heard it run on his boat and it sounded great. Now that I've finally had time to put it on my boat, a year later, it won't start. Turns over strongly but doesn't hit, like its not getting gas even with the bulb kept tight. (on second thought, gas cap vent might've been closed). After I bought it, I cranked it without a gas tank to let it run for a short time on my stand to let the gas pump out of the carb. It didn't run much...so could the carb be gummed????? Today, when it didn't start, I tried squirting carb cleaner into the carb choke area with the panel off. I don't know much about outboards but looked like the choke might of been stuck so I took a screwdriver to gently open the flaps to squirt the cleaner in. Then the next terrific surprise was when I got ready to pull the boat out of the water to let the starter cool down. There was oil coming out of the lower unit. Looked like a little hole by the anti-ventilation plate on the FRONT of the motor (the narrow part that slices the water first). Is this just something that can be fixed with a tig welder and replace the lower unit oil with fresh oil? So I have two problems on this motor that need advice. I expected trouble on the first trip out and looks like I've jinxed myself. Help please. Thanks in advance.
