Bought 1975 Evinrude 115 Untested...Now What?

[TheMayor]

I recently purchased a fairly nice little 1979 ski boat, trailer, and Evinrude 115 outboard (I just learned from this site that it is a 1975)from a charity auction at a rediculously low price. The trailer is a Skeeter in good shape (just needs paint) and the little ski boat looks pretty fair as well (needs new upholstry and carpet). Unfornately, the charity (or me at the time) had anyway to test the Evinrude motor. The charity says they were told by the donor that everthing worked OK as far as he knew. The boat came with 3 fuel tanks but no battery and the fuel lines we not connected to any of the tanks. Since I have never owned an outboard before I really don't know where to start. I been doing some research online but the more I read the more confused I get. I don't know about the fuel mixture issues, battery size, or what to check before I even get that far(ie. lubrication). I will gladly buy a manual if I can find one for this model once I know the thing will at least run. Can anyone give me a step-by-step for how they would proceed realizing I don't want to spend alot of money on the boat and motor until I know it runs OK. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance for the help!!!

 

[DJ]

Re: Bought 1975 Evinrude 115 Untested...Now What?

A very tall order.<br /><br />1. Fuel mix is 50:1 (one pint of TCW-3 Rated Outboard Oil to six gallons of 87 octane gasoline).<br /><br />2. Battery-the biggest (at least 550 CCA) 12 volt cranking battery that you can get in the battery box. <br /><br />3. Check the lower unit fluid. It uses OMC/Bombardier Hi Vis type. Change the fluid and replace the fill/drain plug seals.<br /><br />4. Spark plugs. Champion (only) L77JC4 or CHAMPION equivelant. Gap at .030"<br /><br />5. You porobably need a water pump, be reeady to change it. You need a manual.<br /><br />6. Spray some of the pre mix fuel into the spark plug holes and later into the carb throats as you crank it over. Innstall the running muffs and start it.<br /><br />7. Once it starts, feel the tops of the cylinder heads. You should be able to hold your hands on them, without burning, for at least 3 to 4 seconds. If not, you need a water pump.<br /><br />Your manual is on this page.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...ory=johnson outboard manual&cart_id=652895286

 

[ezeke]

Re: Bought 1975 Evinrude 115 Untested...Now What?

Fuel/oil: 50/1. Use synthetic oil for your engine to avoid fouling the plugs and get smoother operation . 87 or 89 octane.<br /><br />Battery: Most powerful marine battery you can afford. Make sure you connect the battery correctly (+/-) or you can destroy the electronics. Tighten connection with pliers, hand tight can fail. Never disconnect the battery when the engine is running.<br /><br />You can get a service manual but don't buy the generic. You need the model-specific OMC Manuals (Parts, Owners, and Service) with this particular series. If you post the numbers found on the transom plate or Welch plug, I, or others will try to help. I would rather loan you my service manual than have to read about another scrap metal story.<br /><br />Put new oil in the lower unit. <br /><br />If you do not see a steady stream of water through the two holes in the top of the mid-section, don't continue to run the motor.

 

[JB]

Re: Bought 1975 Evinrude 115 Untested...Now What?

Synthetic oil is an option. It will produce less smoke. There are other claims that may or may not be accurate.<br /><br />Any TC-W3 outboard oil will do fine. It will not cause fouled plugs or rough operation. If either of those maladies occurs, it is from some other cause.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Bought 1975 Evinrude 115 Untested...Now What?

I only use two motors currently, a 1973 135HP Evinrude and a 1976 115 Johnson. I have owned both for many years and have always done my own maintenance.<br /><br />I like to fish, and troll a lot. I've used TC-W3 Synthetic for the last two years with less plug fouling than I had with OMC TC-W3. <br /><br />Fouled plugs cause rough operation, JB. We all know that.

 

[TheMayor]

Re: Bought 1975 Evinrude 115 Untested...Now What?

What a great site!!! All you guys who replied are awesome!!! I'm sure I have a long way to go with this little project and that I'll be back a bunch more times, but it sure is nice to know there's still a great group of people out there who are willing to lend a hand! Thanks again!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bought 1975 Evinrude 115 Untested...Now What?

Might be a good idea to ask around to find someone who has aworking knowledge of outboards to help you get started. Can save you a big bucket of time but make sure the guy knows what he is doing.