Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

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loadedaxe

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Jun 28, 2005
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Hello,<br />new to the forums here and I was hoping that someone with some knowledge could help out a boating newbie.<br /><br />My delima. I bought a used 18 hp evinrude of ebay, it arrived today and I cranked it up in a drum of water. It starts on the second pull and idles ok, however, when I engage it in forward it seems to bog down, just doesnt have the push my 9.8 merc has that I got with the boat. It has a choke knob and 2 slow/fast knobs on it. The numbers stamped on it are:<br />18302E-E07347<br /><br />My question is, what fuel/oil ratio to use (I started it on 50:1) and what year is it and 3rd, what to do with those slow/fast knobs and if they have anything to do with it bogging down!? :D <br /><br />Thanks!
 
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Paul Moir

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Re: Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

Given that it's a '63, the official ratio is 24:1 (87 octane gas and TC-W3 outboard oil). But 50:1 won't hurt it. They went to that mix in '64, and didn't change the 18hp at all. Really, just use what you want. Check out the oil mix FAQ in the FAQ forum for details. Your engine is 'fully jeweled'.<br /><br />The slow/fast knobs control the mixture, and will need to be reset to your local conditions. Follow Joe Reeves instructions:<br />Click here. <br /><br />If that doesn't help, if it sounds like it's only getting 1/2 throttle, you may be loosing a cylinder. Start by checking spark - with the plugs out you should be able to draw an arc almost 3/8" long. If it on goes a very short distance (1/16) it's likely arcing over. Fix is cheap and easy with simple hand tools.<br /><br />Best manual is the factory one. I don't see any used ones on ebay right now (search "(18, 18hp) (evinrude, johnson) manual"). You can get reprints from the following places:<br />kencook.com<br />theoutboardwizard.bizhosting.com<br />marineengine.com<br />maxrules.com<br />They run about $10 more than the Seloc manual, but they're worth it. The parts manual shows exploded diagrams and part numbers, but it's really not necessary. <br /><br />Welcome to Iboats!
 
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loadedaxe

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Re: Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

Thanks for the welcome and the help! That was fast!<br /><br />I read J.Reeves section, however, the fast only turns 1 complete turn and the slow 1/4 turn, I'll check the plugs tomorrow, its raining at the moment. Again, thanks for the help and If there is anything else you think would be helpful maintenance wise, Id appreciate it. After I tinker I'll repost what transpires. Cant wait to get it on the water!
 
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Paul Moir

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Re: Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

You've got to pull off the knobs, etc, and turn the brass "valve stem" itself. Put the knobs and such whereever you like! :) <br /><br />You should change out the water pump impeller. This is regular maintanance every 2-3 years. This is very important if you're going to operate in salt water because the various bolts and such you need to remove will seize up in little more time than that.<br />(hint: paint your bolts with gasket sealant and they'll come out easier next time. If water can't get to the threads, they can't rust together.)<br /><br />Lower unit lube should be drained and refilled with fresh. OMC/BRP 'HiVis' or equv. 90 weight outboard gearcase lube.<br />Plugs ought to be Champion J4C (replaceing the old J4J) gapped at .030", by the way.<br /><br />Oh, I just explained to a guy how to replace the L/U lube. <br /><br /> Click here.<br />Yours takes around 8oz, and not 'Premium Blend'.
 
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loadedaxe

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Re: Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

Thanks again Paul, just ordered 2 impellers. Im going to change the L/U Lube tomorrow and replace the plugs. I'll tinker with the adjustments as well and post tomorrow how it all went. Your a gem! Thanks again.
 
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loadedaxe

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Re: Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

Paul, while I got you in a generous mood :D My Merc 9.8 is a boggler too. I dont know what year it is. The serial number is 3185944, thats all thats stamped on it and for two weeks Ive been trying to find out the year, any idea? Its a model 110. I need a impellar, mine went south last weekend.
 
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Paul Moir

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Re: Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

:) <br /><br />I'm not much on Mercs, but I can track down years pretty good. That S/N makes it a 1971 model.
 
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loadedaxe

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Re: Need help, 18 HP Evinrude

Changed the L/U Lube, spark plugs and it seems to run alot better, after taking the buttons on the lean/rich valves off I still wasnt able to adjust it more than with them on, 1 full turn on fast and 1/4 turn on slow is all I can get out of them, I did play with it and got it running smoother. Thanks for the help, Im taking it out today and hopefully all goes well.
 
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