Lower Unit Evinrude 15HP

[Ryan0186]

Hello everyone, I recently purchased a 1983 Evinrude 15HP SER#15RCTA. Picked the engine up for 300 from a person who did not take very good care of it. I am trying to bring her back to her glory days and use on a 14ft Jon boat. Engine will run good but I noticed that it wont pump water. I removed the lower unit and found that the impeller and pump housing was damage. I have a new water pump kit in route. When I had everything apart I noticed quite a bit of salt build up in the lower unit and some corrosion around the area where the pump housing bolts up (I will try to get an pick with my iphone in the next day or so to post). I cleaned the area with salt away by soaking and scrubbing the lower unit. Looks a lot better. I am wonder if after I replace the water pump kit would it be detrimental to the integrity of the engine to spray in the inside of the foot with a self etching primer or maybe attach a zinc to the inside to the foot? Or should I just leave it alone? I plan on flushing the engine after each use with salt away as this engine will only be used in salt water. Thank for the advice.

 

[gozierdt]

Re: Lower Unit Evinrude 15HP

"LeeRoy's Ramblings" is the best source of information I've found on these motors. If you read this article:

Lower Unit

You'll find a lot of valuable information on the water pumps and all other lower unit info. If you go to his general
list, you'll find information on Powerhead, Tune-up, etc- virtually anything you need to do.

I'm guessing if you use saltaway, you won't need to paint the inside. But putting a zinc on the outside on the anti-cavitation
plate might be of some use, but since you're pulling and flushing the engine after every use, not as essential as a motor
that's left in the water for long stretches. Someone with more detailed experience in salt water may chime in.