Is this a good Deal? - 1976 65hp Evinrude Triumph

[samo_ott]

As most regulars on the forum know I usually work on older engines. But this one came up locally and seems interesting. Are powerheads easy to get for this engine? Does this engine have common parts with many others. Would it be just best to part it out or is it worthwhile to fix up and learn how to work on the bigger/newer engines? Thanks for any input. Oh and $200 for parts seemed really cheap to me... Is that accurate?

"1976 65hp Evinrude Triumph Outboard Boat Motor

The motor is in great condition and has been well maintained, however one cylinder broke off and put a hole in the powerhead block. The motor still runs, however only on 2 cylinders.

I had a boat motor mechanic take it apart to see the damage. He explained it would cost $600 to have it working perfectly. $200 in parts (cylinder, piston and powerhead block) and $400 in labour. This motor is good for parts or a good project for a do-it-yourselfer with some motor knowledge.

It comes with the service manual as well as a gas tank and hose.

$50 or best offer"

 

[asdasc]

Re: Is this a good Deal? - 1976 65hp Evinrude Triumph

If you have the time and interest, I would say go for it! If nothing else the tank and manuel have some value. I am sure you can get your cash out of it parting it out if further inspection proves it shouldn't be fixed.

Keep us posted on your progress...

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Is this a good Deal? - 1976 65hp Evinrude Triumph

I was thinking of it that away also. The tank and hose and manual are worth close to $50... But I was still wondering about the engine as I know nothing about the bigger engines... and why did the cylinder break? Is it a common problem? Lean carb issue? etc... How many carbs does the dang thing have anyway?

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Is this a good Deal? - 1976 65hp Evinrude Triumph

Well, I would go ahead and snag it.

Also, if you look in the right places, you could find a running powerhead for a decent price and get it going again. The 65 Triumphs were a lot better than the earlier 55's.

The earlier ones had issues that stumped the mechanics. The 65's were much improved.

Leon

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Is this a good Deal? - 1976 65hp Evinrude Triumph

If the motor is a 65 hp model, it is a 1972 or 1973 motor, not a 1976. Further, if it is a 1972, it is a hydro-electric shift model, and if it is a 1973, its a hydro-mechanical shift model.

By the description "broken cylinder," and the mention of a hole in the block, it is apparent that he broke a connecting rod, which then punched through the crankcase. This is major, life ending damage for the crankcase. The defective piston and connecting rod will be DOA, as well. You could also have damage to the crankshaft, as well has adjacent connecting rods, etc. IMO, the only way this motor is going to push a boat again for $600, is if you simply find another powerhead and slap it on the engine.

When in good condition, these are great motors. I have two 1972 Johnson 65hp motors. One of them is on my boat and I couldn't be happier with it. The other is a motor that I bought as a spare, and I expect to refurbish it when I get around to the project. One of the key issues on the 1972 models, however, is the hydro-electric shift. If it is working well, and the shift switch in your control unit is OK, they can be really good engines. If there are problems with the shift switch, the solenoids in the gearcase, or the wiring harness that runs down through the midsection, you could be looking at a serious parts availability issue. Given that I know you like the older motors, which have similar parts issues, this may not be a deal breaker. That said, you need to be aware of it.

Really, what you have is a $50 parts motor, which is a fair deal. I don't see this motor a rebuild candidate, though. I would jump on it if I had a mate for the motor that is currently running, or is economically rebuildable, but I would pass if this is not the case.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Is this a good Deal? - 1976 65hp Evinrude Triumph

ah! just park it and hold out for a cheap powerhead