1987 15hp 2 stroke advice

[Dboii]

Hey what's up guys I'm new on the forum here hopefully someone can give me advice on this engine I found online. It's a 1987 15hp 2 stroke evinrude engine.

I'm looking to pair this up with a 13' Saturn inflatable this will be my first engine and boat. I'm inclined to go for this engine due to the weight and hp and heard that is not too hard to fix if I ever run into problems. I'm looking to carrying 4 people max but mostly it will only be my dad and I. I forgot to mention I would be using this in saltwater along the Monterey Bay not too far offshore. Any advice you guys have for me regarding this setup? I'd appreciate it thanks

 

[racerone]

With 4 people you may have to go to an 8" pitch prop.

 

[ezmobee]

They are fantastic motors.

 

[oldboat1]

Check compression and spark if you can before buying (120+/- and even on compression, sharp half inch spark). Before use, should replace the impeller.

Salt water motors usually need thermostat maintenance more often. I think the '87 was a transition year, with late models built with the thermostat on top of the head. The earlier ones with the t.stat at the bottom are fine, but a little more difficult to service the t.stat (head removal the best way, requiring a head gasket) -- shouldn't be a deal breaker, but something to check.

Get a J&E service manual.

 

[Dboii]

Thanks for the advice guys appreciate it. How much would you guys offer for something of this age the seller is asking for 950 dollars plus shipping from Florida to California. The website is small outboards. Was looking some reviews on them and it looks like people were pretty happy with purchasing from them what do you guys think

 

[ezmobee]

I paid $600 for my '85 one. And it was fairly ugly looking and there were people lined up behind to buy it. $950 is high though for an '87.

 

[Crosbyman]

from Florida..to California how would YOU test the compression and spark....

​personnaly I woul shop locally

 

[Dboii]

Thanks for the advice guys I'll keep it local instead don't want to risk buying anything bad appreciate it god bless

 

[ondarvr]

Check and see what your boat is rated for, and then get as close to that HP as you can, also make sure what shaft length you need, 15" or 20".

​Look local and check everyday so you can get an idea of what the market price is in your area, then you'll know when to pull the trigger on the right motor.

 

[Dboii]

Just found this 1985 11 foot Achilles with 15hp evinrude from 1988 the seller works as an outboard mechanic and he also sells Achilles inflatables. He said that the compression on both cylinders are 125 that sounds pretty good no? He'sasking 1250 for the Achilles with the 15hp evinrude. What do you guys think? Would appreciate any advice thanks guys here's the link with pictures
https://slo.craigslist.org/boa/6032590502.html

 

[oldboat1]

Sounds and looks good.

 

[ondarvr]

Looks promising.

 

[Dboii]

I ended up getting the boat and engine. The mechanic checked the compression on both cylinders and they were great 125 on both of them. The inflatable was good didn't seem to leak anywhere. Once I got home and checked the engine a bit more with a flash light I noticed some white stuff around the engine block idk what it's called but I believe it has something to do with the cooling any advice guys hopefully this isn't a big problem here's some pics

 

[Dboii]

i forgot to mention that there was water coming out of the pee hole. im not too sure how to upload so heres a link to my photobucket album
http://s38.photobucket.com/user/rivera4413/library/

 

[Dboii]

 

[racerone]

The cylinder head does not appear to be from a 1988 model.---Any more pictures ?----Model number on this motor is ?

 

[Dboii]

thanks for the reply i believe it is a 1987 the model number is E15RCU

 

[racerone]

Early production 87 mosel.

 

[oldboat1]

Looks like some gasket leakage. It's hard to tell how old. You could clean up the salt corrosion a bit and run it -- see if it stays dry. Check cooling (top of head should not be too hot to touch).

The fix would be to pull off the head cover, then take it to the work bench and remove t.stat cover. Might as well replace the thermostat at that point, or at least check it. You will need a head gasket and a gasket for the t.stat cover, and should resurface both before reassembly. The lower head cover bolts remain partially inserted in the cover for removal and reassembly -- very tight fit at the bottom.

Want to be careful backing out bolts.

 

[racerone]

Just run the thing.------It was sold by a mechanic and assume he will stand behind his work.