flywheel movement 1968 evinrude 18 hp

[james__12345]

I have a 68 18 HP evinrude and the flywheel has quite a bit of up and down movement to it. Its tight on the shaft its the whole shat that is moving and it's moving enough that it's broke the legs off of two starters. I just got a copy of the factory service manual, but it just shows how it all comes apart and stuff. I would like to know what parts I need to check once its apart that would most likely lead to this problem and what I would be looking for.

 

[racerone]

Re: flywheel movement 1968 evinrude 18 hp

How much is your " quite a bit "---Post an actual measurement.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: flywheel movement 1968 evinrude 18 hp

Could be your upper roller bearings worn, lack of oil will do that

 

[james__12345]

Re: flywheel movement 1968 evinrude 18 hp

Its been a while since I messed with that motor and I'm at work now but if I remember right I'd say about 3/16 of an inch.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: flywheel movement 1968 evinrude 18 hp

Thats far too much. You should only notice at the most a little slight give, normally if i find that slight give its only laterally and not front to back

 

[F_R]

Re: flywheel movement 1968 evinrude 18 hp

The crankshaft floats between the bronze Archemedes seal (part of the crankcase) at the center main bearing, and the thrust washer above the lower main bearing. 3/16" sounds almost like the thrust washer is missing. Does it look like somebody has had it apart? It doesn't seem possible that it can be that worn without the rest of the motor being worn out also.

The lower seal and spring assembly (and gravity) normally holds the shaft down against the thrust washer. But of course that isn't the primary job of the seal & spring. I only mention it because it may be broken or missing.

 

[james__12345]

Re: flywheel movement 1968 evinrude 18 hp

The movement is Actually a little less than 1/8. As far as whether its been opened up before its hard to say for sure. The motor has had a LOT of work and some of it a bit Frankensteined. The carb and lower unit are from different years so I have a feeling it may have.