Evinrude 6HP Fisherman - misc questions

[jaywest]

Hopefully someone can help me out. Just got my first motor - used. It's an evinrude fisherman 6hp. The only plate on it I can find just says serial number, not model, but I suspect it's both. The plate says "6302SJ 05935" (yes, the only space is between the J and the 0). Several questions:

1) What year is it? A few sites indicate a 63, but the majority of the pictures, diagrams, and info online seem to indicate it's a 73. Adding to the complication, the original title I got says 70. I'm betting it's a 73, but can anyone tell for sure from the above?

2) What is the model and what is the serial #? From what I've found online, it seems the model is "6302S" and the serial number is "J05935". Correct?

3) I am only familiar with the most basic small engine work, never seen an outboard engine. I was told this engine was last run 6 years ago, and hasn't been started since and has been in storage. To prevent damage, are there any basic things that should be done before attempting to start it?

4) Is this motor known to be particularly reliable/unreliable? I'd love to get many years of service out of it, but don't want to put more money into overhaul/refurb than is appropriate.

Any advice is very much appreciated!

 

[steelespike]

I'm thinking it may be a 5302 or perhaps 6502 5302 would be a 63 5.5 , 6502 would be a 65 6 hp.
Check out the top secret file at the top of the evinrude/johnson forum. It is a 2 stroke motor mix oil with the gas.
Speaking very basically only 5 moving parts.2 pistons,2 rods, one crank.
First thing check the compression minimum about 60 psi and even between the cylinders.
Good compression usually indicates a sound motor.Try the gears.You may have to rotate the prop to shift with the motor off.
See if the prop turns when you crank it. Prop spins freely by hand in neutral, turns about 1/3 of a turn in gear.
The Evinrudfe and Johnson are the same motor with only cosmetic differences.
There is a vast supply of new and used parts from the BRP dealer , here at iboats and many vendors on the internet.
Reprint factory service manuals are available here at iboats.
Any questions or guidance needed be sure to ask. There are no stupid questions.
The basic power head has been in production 54-79 8.84 cu in.

 

[jaywest]

Thanks so much for the help thus far. Just to clarify - it is not 5302 or 6502. The numbers on the plate are very clear - "6302SJ 05935"

 

[steelespike]

6302 is a 73. short shaft. 50:1 fuel mix.
I would suggest go a little on the rich side

 

[nwcove]

almost a bullet proof motor if it was looked after in its previous life. refer to the " top secret file" at the top of this forum for good info on how to keep it running for another 40 years. as mentioned, mix the fuel a wee bit richer than 50:1 no matter who tells you todays oils are far superior to the oils of that era. ( yikes....hope my oil comments dont start another "amsoil" debate!! lol) edit: go to the johnson evinrude forum for the top secret file.

 

[jaywest]

I did look at the top secret post mentioned at the top of this thread, it's perfect and sure answers a ton of questions I had and would have had. Thanks so much for the info!

Related question - I generally won't own something without obtaining both the owners and service manuals. I see good info (parts diagrams) from a link in the top secret file, but I want the original owners and service manuals. Before I plunk down money for copies of both, all the ones I see online for sale mention the 6302 and not the 6302S specifically. Was there a separate manual for the S & non-S versions or does one manual completely cover both variants (differing part numbers, etc.).

Thanks again for all who helped and pointed to such valuable resources!