Re: Old Sea Horse
Hi James,<br /> If you're planning on using the 7.5hp for general use, I would think 12'-14' rather than 16'. As much as I like those old 7.5s (I've got a '55 Evinrude 7.5), they're not a real powerhouse. Mine will plane off my 12-foot DuraNautic with just me and my dog aboard, but I wouldn't want to load it down too much. It'll plane off my 14-foot StarCraft semi-V tin can, but it's definitely at the upper edge of it's power potential. If you need a bigger boat, save the 7.5 for show (family history and all that) and get a larger motor for go.<br /> I recommend that you check out the ignition components by popping the flywheel off. If the coils are chalky or cracked, replace them. As a matter of course, clean and gap the points at .020". Also, replace the waterpump impeller - you'll need to remove the powerhead from the exhaust housing to access the shift rod release. Inspect all hoses - tank and motor.<br /> They're a pretty simple motor and not too hard to work on. They do run well - very smooth and quiet. They also like the oil - run it at 25:1 and not a drop leaner. It has aluminum rods with bronze babbit bearings and requires lots of oil to keep it all together - another reason not to run the tar out of it pushing a heavy boat.<br /> A manual from the library ought to cover the basics even if it doesn't cover your motor specifically. Same basic design was used on the 5.5 and 7.5 up into the 1960s, with the 7.5 being slightly larger in size, so if the library generic manual doesn't cover your motor specifically, all the basic maintenance stuff will be the same...<br />- Scott
