1997 Evinrude SPL90 2 Stroke V4 dripping oil/gas down front of shaft from case

[masens33]

Ok, I am brand new to boating and bought a 1993 procraft v-150b with a 1997 evinrude SPL90 2 Stroke V4, and have been putting my heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears (And wallet) into restoring it. I watched the motor run before I bought it, so I haven't paid much attention to it until now. I replaced the gear oil in the lower unit and cleaned under the cowl and replaced the fuel line/ primer bulb to the engine.

I had it running for about 30 seconds but afterwards it would not start. What was happening is the starter would disengage from the flywheel and spin freely for a few seconds, and then a plume of white smoke would come out from the exhaust in the prop, but the engine would immediately give up after the starter disengages.

I go to start it the other day and after a few cranks I see what I assume to be oil/gas dripping down the front of the shaft (see attached). Now I read other forums online and people were mentioning it may be a faulty crankshaft seal?

are these issues complementary of each other or am I facing a dual problem?

 

[Chris1956]

You need to see where the fuel comes from. Likely the carbs.

A lot of those vintage motors have plastic carb bowls that warp and leak. However, it is perfectly normal to rebuild the carbs, even with good bowls, periodically as the floats and inlet needles can leak, causing what you are seeing.

 

[racerone]

I would say the gasket under the powerhead is leaking.----Remove cowling .----Start motor on a hose and let it idle for 5 to 10 minutes.-----Observe.

 

[Barrhead]

Is it a VRO ? check make sure not leaking fuel it will cause over oiling and will build up in carburetors , and leak down.

 

[racerone]

And here I thought that the SPL models did not leave the factory with the VRO system.

 

[Barrhead]

And here I thought that the SPL models did not leave the factory with the VRO

And here I thought that the SPL models did not leave the factory with the VRO system.

obviously you know more than me , I was just trying help out . I have no clue that SPL model s had no VRO

 

[James R]

My 97 90 SPL has aluminum bowls. Sounds like a good wash out would be in order and the usual compressions and sparks tests.

 

[oldboat1]

"but the engine would immediately give up after the starter disengages."

I think it is probably the other way around. The starter disengages after the engine fires (but does not run). It sounds like the air/fuel mix is a bit too lean -- engine with not catch and run. Determine ignition strength by measuring spark with an open air tester -- should see somewhere around 3/4 spark with that engine. If spark is strong, try to adjust the air/fuel mix slightly richer. I would also make sure the starter is spinning the way it should. Burnish the battery wires until bright, and use a fully charged battery.

 

[racerone]

I do not believe there are adjustable slow speed mixture needles on a 1997 model SPL crossflow motor.

 

[James R]

Correct, no adjustments on those carbs. Remove the air box. Use a spray bottle with fuel oil mix in it and spray some into the carb intakes while cranking the motor. If she fires and runs while spraying you probably have a carb or fuel supply issue.

 

[racerone]

The motor would have the electric primer valve.----Pushing the key in while cranking would be the same as using a spray bottle.