Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

[penst8grad]

I'm looking at possibly purchasing this motor, but am not an expert with OB motors. The ad says...

This is an early 80s Evinrude outboard. It currently has a 20hp decal on the cowling but it's a 25hp. I bought the motor running last year but never used it as I ended up buying a bigger boat. I tried it this spring and it started but it acts like the main jet is clogged as it doesn't what to rev or run for very long. The outboard is in really good shape and with a proper tuneup should be ready for service. Its a pull start model and its the standard shaft size.

Anything I should know or should I walk away? I'm leaning towards a rebuild/carb clean but don't know anything yet other than the price is right.

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

Oh, this is for a river beater too.

 

[jethro66]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

I say go for it..I have a 76 20 converted 2 25 and runs great!!

 

[jonesg]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

if the compression is decent and even, if the lower unit oil isn't a milkshake then I'd buy it.

 

[penst8grad]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

What's a decent price assuming it only needs a carb cleanup?

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

It is junk, running on one cylinder. Avoid it or pay junk price. Not over $50.

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

yea, I agree with JB.
I own a '81 25hp and love it, but it's a gamble on that motor.

 

[jethro66]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

if the compression is decent and even, if the lower unit oil isn't a milkshake then I'd buy it.

I agree.check compression and lu.They might of changed the oil so u need 2 get new washers for it.If you buy it try finding a original manual for it on ebay or on here.I heard you could put a 35hp. carb on it for more poer..how much do they want for it...?I payed 400cdn. for mine

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Evinrude 25hp outboard-opinions on buying?

A 70's, 80's, and 90's evinrude 25hp motor is a really good motor. I also believe the one you're speaking of is running on one cylinder, too. It may also have lower unit problems that you can't identify without running it wide open.
I would only consider the motor if I could check compression and it had around 120psi on both cylinders. Some of those late 80's evinrudes had a sticker that told the owners to mix the fuel/oil at 100:1, which could and probably did ruin a lot of them. They later changed that back to 50:1 and sent out a notice that I'm sure some folks never saw. Any outboard that's not running should be bought cheap. I wouldn't even consider paying more than $250 for it even if it had great compression. (My '99 30hp has 125psi on both cylinders.) If the compression on your motor isn't in the neighborhood of 125psi and within 10% of each other (hopefully less than 10%), I wouldn't bother with it. Look at the skeg and prop, also. They usually tell a pretty good story about how the motor has been taken care of.
JBJ