1981 25 hp evinrude

scotteam

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 30, 2011
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43
ok boat wont idle
stalls at low speed
runs like a dream opened up

replaced fuel line. Replaced tank and tank fittings. replaced fuel pump. replaced silenoid. replaced lines from starter to the battery. rebuilt carb and yes removed all plugs in carb cleaned inside and replaced. Replaced float. Replaced all guts in carb. this was my first time rebuilding carb. I was pleasantly surprised when it ran on first try :> replaced spark plugs, water pump pressure is right on target. compression on target.

Why in hell wont the damn thing idle? I must be missing something. About ready to break down and trade her for a four stroke. I dont have the money however
 

Monte1961

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May 8, 2011
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1,180
Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

1981 Evinrude 25 hp E25RLCIM Take low speed jet and lightly seat it. back out 1.5 turns for initial start up. between throttle and low speed jet, work between the two to get the lowest idle you can. Once achieved, back jet out 1/4 to 1/2 turn and leave it. Post back results. NOTE: Needs to be done at normal operating temp, in gear. Post back results.
 

scotteam

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May 30, 2011
Messages
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Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

i actually tried this and i had no change at all. It is like the low speed needle on the carb is the issue. With new seat and new rubber gasket at top i can hardly move it in and out. Something is not right with it. I am going to take that apart again and see if i can free it up. Any suggestions beyond this. I would love to get this baby purring. i had a 40 hp johnson 1987 and i got that baby purring like a kitten. I trolled with it forever it seems like and we are talking for lakers very slow troll. I loved it.
 

Monte1961

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Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

The only thing I can see that might be giving you problems, is the retainer. Good luck and post results.
 

flintcreek

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 19, 2009
Messages
90
Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

Check inside the low speed idel passage, some rebuild kits come with a plastic bushing or collar that fits on the step on the needle, it can cause this type of issue and most carbs do not use this piece. I used a small crochet needle to pull one out of my 35 hp and it started ideling just fine. Hope this helps.

Flintcreek
 

scotteam

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May 30, 2011
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Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

Okay turns out was missing a washer on the inside of the red plastic thing the needle goes into. I put that in and we are in business. Now as i adjusted the idle the freaken impellor stopped pumping water. Grrr! One issue into another. So i take the impellor out and replace it or in process. I open the gear case and drain. What do i find WHITE MILK. I am telling you i cannot win with this thing. in process of reassembly of the top half and cant get connecting rod to line up. GRRR!

Ready to send to junk heap.

:>
 

scotteam

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May 30, 2011
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43
Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

okay got it back together and now the damn motor wont start. It was running fine prior to noticing water not flowing. any suggestions?
 

Monte1961

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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May 8, 2011
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Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

Did it overheat? Start with the basics again. Spark fuel and compression. Post back results.
 

scotteam

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May 30, 2011
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Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

Not sure if it overheated really. I can tell you that it seemed all fine when i got it back together. the propeller is not spinning freely in neutral and my issue maybe that. It wont start i dont think if that prop is not free. It turns over unlike when it is in gear but prop spins when attempting to start. The other thing is i dont think i fixed the issue as when you attempt to start an outboard generally the water starts flowing as you attempt to start. nothing is coming out.

Anyway i will take it apart and figure it out. This is not hard to work on I THINK!. I may end up going out and buying another motor today anyway since i am having so many issues.
 
Last edited:

jasper60103

Commander
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Sep 18, 2008
Messages
2,055
Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

I have an '81 johnson 25hp. One thing. Make sure the leg is deep in a barrel of water, else it won't pump water well. You won't see water come out the tell-tale or exhaust relief until after the motor starts running, usually within a few seconds though.
Also, the rope start will lock-up if not in neutral. Its a safety feature.
Good luck.
 

scotteam

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 30, 2011
Messages
43
Re: 1981 25 hp evinrude

I have an '81 johnson 25hp. One thing. Make sure the leg is deep in a barrel of water, else it won't pump water well. You won't see water come out the tell-tale or exhaust relief until after the motor starts running, usually within a few seconds though. cant get i
Also, the rope start will lock-up if not in neutral. Its a safety feature.
Good luck.

I found that the connector rod is not hooked up right to start with. I cant get it connect right. So it is not fully coming out of gear i think anyway. I took it all apart again and finally gave up. Went out and bought new motor. This one is for sale first 450.00
 
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