35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

Dr.Newman

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Hey I am looking for a motor for my '63 14' Elgin Runabout... but I don't have the cash to drop on a motor right now. Found this ad local for a siezed up Evinrude "35hp evinrude mod#35803R-M SER#E0002162-S motor locked up $85.00 obo" What are your thoughts? I am new to boat engines but have experience and many friends with car motor experience. I'm not in any rush, but I want to know if this is something worth investigating more. Are locked up motors worth it...even for parts?
 

hidef

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

It is a 1978 Evinrude. Did it seize while running, or is it seized from sitting. If it is seized from sitting then buy it a bunch of PB blaster down the cylinders will most likely free it up. It could be a good parts motor if you can find another 35. This outboard has a 20 inch leg does the boat you are planning to put it on have a 20 inch transom or is it a 15 inch transom? You want to match the outboard and transom.
 

nwcove

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

all depends on under what circumstances it seized. but generally, if it seized due to lack of lubrication, overheat or bearing failure it is a parts motor. with that being said, for the $50 you could probably get it for, if its in otherwise good shape, a few hundred on a complete rebuild and you could have a like new motor.
 

Dr.Newman

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

I am new to glass boats so i'm not sure exactly how you measure the transom.. I measured in the middle and it was 17", but I suppose if you measure bottom to gunwale it would be about 20" as the transom goes down a few inches lower than the rest of the boat. I talked to the seller tonight, he isn't sure if it burned up or is just locked from sitting... said he bought with the intention of fixing it 2 years ago and never got to it. I will see it tomorrow, what should I look for?
 

AlTn

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

how corroded are the fastners?...salt water area?..water in the lower unit < take a straight slot screwdriver an loosen the lower drain plug, much more than a teaspoon or two, or milkshake looking oil, and you could have some rust issues in the l/u if it's been sitting 2 years >, I agree with nwcove, view this as a parts motor for $50 or less
 

samo_ott

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

If you're new to engines this could be a bit more that you want to start off with. There's piles of 60's J/E 40hp's out there running for cheap and they're easy to work on.
 

Dr.Newman

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

I actually just found another motor that appears to be more of what I am looking for. It is a Chrysler 45HP and the seller says it runs fine. Not sure of the year or model but I know it is electric start. Thoughts on Chrysler engines?
 

AlTn

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

all I know about chrysler engines is the ole ,"Chrysler?!?!...you don't want one of those!"...I guess the prudent thing to do is check on parts availability and such online. Might also ask this question in the Chrysler section of the forums.
 

Borgey401

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

Don't just hop on the first motor in good condition you find. That's even if that Chrysler really is in good condition. Look around for a good deal and a good motor. I personally wouldn't even think about buying a Chrysler motor. Give it a little while and check Craigslist for a nice Johnson/Evinrude. You won't regret it if you stick it out a little longer.
 

samo_ott

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

I would never buy a Chrysler except as a boat anchor...
 

Dr.Newman

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

Well I got a 1978 35HP Evinrude. I'm told it should run and if it doesn't it isn't far from running...we'l see. I have some pics but I need help. I'm completely new to motors and don't even know where to start. I don't know where to hook things up...gas, battery, starter and need some direction to get started. I'm good with my hands and learn fast I just haven't worked with motors before. Please Help!View attachment 107733View attachment 107734View attachment 107735View attachment 107736View attachment 107737
 

chuckp

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May 21, 2011
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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

Hey Dr., try posting your pics again so we can see what you have!
 

jbjennings

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

I would never buy a Chrysler except as a boat anchor...

Hey Samott,
I'm going to look at a Chrysler one day and ask for a water test, and see what kind of answer I get....... :)


DocNewman,
Did you check the compression on that thing before you bought it? If not, go ahead and get it over with. You might as well go to the auto parts store and get one for about 25 bucks, or find your most annoying neighbor, and ask him if you can borrow his.
You should look at the "top secret files" thread at the top of this forum and check out the "awakening a sleeping outboard" thread in particular. Some good reading and ideas to help you get your 35hp back in action again.
Hope you got a good-un,
JBJ
 

1946Zephyr

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

The only seized 35hp outboard I would ever buy is a 1957 - 59 model. All other years I might take if they were given to me. :D

Then again, you might be able to find a good pair of pistons, if you shopped right and make the deal worth your time and money. Give me an old blue and white 35 with the clamshell cover and I would spend every dime required to make it like new. :)

I'm with ya jbjennings. Chryslers weren't actually too bad. Unfortunately, they fell under that realm of "unpopular and neglected" bunch, kinda like the old Ramblers. I have found that they are pretty simple motors and easier to work on. I have actually seen some nice ones in my day.
 

Dr.Newman

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

hmmm not seeing these top secret files. well named obviously.
 

nwcove

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Re: 35HP Evinrude Should I Buy?

go back to the forum, top of the johnson evinrude .
 
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