25 HP Evinrude model 25652E routine maintenance items

[iam2sam]

I have acquired a 25 HP Evinrude short-shaft 2-stroke 2-cylinder tiller-steer pull-start motor to repower my 1972 Sea Nymph Coho 16. Model is 25652E, s/n is E0005739, which seems to date it to about 1976. Motor starts easily and appears to run well. PO claims he purchased last July and used it < 10 times (maybe 20 - 25 hours, max) over the following 2 months. He also admitted that he didn't do any maintenance - he just ran it. I plan to check the compression in the next few days to get a better baseline on condition. It has some kind of taped up repair where the starter handle is joined to the rope, so I will need to see what is needed there. I intend to do a full routine service to the motor before using it. I need some help in that regard. I know that I should change the spark plugs, change the lower unit gear oil, and replace the impeller. Finding the correct plugs and gear oil is easy. On the iboat parts page for this motor, I see the impeller available as impeller, impeller repair kit, or water pump kit. Prices range from $20 to $60 so that isn't a big issue for me. I want to use whichever part is most advisable for this service, but I don't want to spend a lot of time replacing something if it isn't needed. Can anyone advise me on the best part for impeller maintenance? Are there additional maintenance items that should be on my list? Finally, is there any possible source for factory owner's or service manuals for this motor? If not, are there any third party guides that you would recommend? Thanks in advance.

 

[F_R]

Owner's manuals are available right here at iboats. It will spell out the use and maintenance items.
In most cases, a new impeller is all that is needed, unless it has been used in salt or muddy water, Then you probably should get a complete water pump kit that includes a new housing.
I'm guessing on the rope. Those motors had a long extension on the handle that went far into the starter housing, to prevent rattling. The extension portion quickly deteriorated and often got trimmed off or taped. That's fine if the rope is in good condition.

 

[iam2sam]

Owner's manuals are available right here at iboats. It will spell out the use and maintenance items.
In most cases, a new impeller is all that is needed, unless it has been used in salt or muddy water, Then you probably should get a complete water pump kit that includes a new housing.
I'm guessing on the rope. Those motors had a long extension on the handle that went far into the starter housing, to prevent rattling. The extension portion quickly deteriorated and often got trimmed off or taped. That's fine if the rope is in good condition.

Thanks for the informative reply. I'll replace the impeller. I'll also examine the rope more closely. If it is sound, I'll just strip the old ugly electrical tape and find something neater for a wrap.

 

[jakedaawg]

Funny you guys mention that rubber part of handle. I had an old one in the shop awhile back and some on had used what looked like layers of heat shrink tube there. Always wondered why the old guy had done that.