Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

[ward cleaver]

I have a 6 hp Evinrude 1969 that moves plenty of water but gets very hot when idling. I know I should check out the water pump but one of the bolts to the lower unit is broken off inside and I can't get that out. At this point my question is more theoretical than practical: Is there much of a chance that water is just moving thru the lower unit and not thru the block due to some sort of blockage or is it just that the water pump is failing?

I'm going to take it to a machine shop today to see how much he wants to extract that broken off bolt.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Replace the water pump assembly.

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

I plan to. It seems odd that the water is hot and so is the block.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Puzzled by "moves plenty of water" and "the water is hot" because as far as i know the 1969 model does not have a tell tale so what do you mean and what water is hot?

If a telltale has been fitted then it is only a telltale from part way around the system and will be hot because the flow is so low compared with what the total flow should be .

Obviously you have to tackle the water pump issue but I suspect that after 40 years the cooling passages in the cylinder head could well be choked up

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Duplicate deleted. How'd that happen?

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

It's the telltale and the amount of water is not just a spray but actually it looks like more water than my 9.8 Merc puts out and that one puts out a steady stream. Sure looks like the original and not a add on. I'm thinking that there is a clog in the cooling passages and the water is not getting up there. If so, I'm guessing I would have to remove the head to clean it out. That would be a shame since, other than overheating, it runs good. Course I don't plan on running it til I get to the water pump.

I'll let you know what the shop wants to charge to extract the bolt so I can find out whats what.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

I'm with you now I think. Not a pee stream you are talking about but the outlet on the back of the leg?

If so and you have bags of water there I dont think it can be choked water passges. Maybe the thermostat is opening rather late. Easier to check the thermostat than take the head off. Maybe not quite as much water as you think getting through.

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Got my outboards mixed up. No problem getting to the water pump on this one. One of the blades was broken on the water pump. Also, the pin that is near the top of the shaft looked pretty boogered. So I'll replace the water pump and that pin. Question: I looked at the schematic but I don't see what that pin does. Anyone know?

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

The pin at the top compresses the spring associated with the shaft seal.
See items #1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in THIS DIAGRAM
Possibly been damaged as a result of attemps to remove or refit gearcase assembly without correctly aligning the pin

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

I'll put it back together and if that doesnt solve the problem i'll check the thermostat.

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Oh by the way, when I pulled the lower unit the parts (washer, seal and spring I think) above the upper pin did not drop down. I assume they are still up there. Suppose I should poke around up there to get them out to make sure they are ok? Or are they suppose to stay up there when you pull the shaft and lower unit?

I ordered the impellor, key and pin from a local parts dealer because I like to support local businesses and I wanted to see what kind of treatment I get. I don't mind paying a bit more to a local business that puts out a little extra in terms of customer service. Unfortunately first he said he'd have it the next day between 10 and noon. I show up at noon and he says, oh no, that won't be here for 7 to 10 days because it is back ordered. I didnt cancel the order cuz I want to see this inexpensive purchase thru to test him out. But I'm thinking next time, its online shopping for me.

 

[F_R]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Oh by the way, when I pulled the lower unit the parts (washer, seal and spring I think) above the upper pin did not drop down. I assume they are still up there. Suppose I should poke around up there to get them out to make sure they are ok? Or are they suppose to stay up there when you pull the shaft and lower unit?

I ordered the impellor, key and pin from a local parts dealer because I like to support local businesses and I wanted to see what kind of treatment I get. I don't mind paying a bit more to a local business that puts out a little extra in terms of customer service. Unfortunately first he said he'd have it the next day between 10 and noon. I show up at noon and he says, oh no, that won't be here for 7 to 10 days because it is back ordered. I didnt cancel the order cuz I want to see this inexpensive purchase thru to test him out. But I'm thinking next time, its online shopping for me.

The seal assembly is captive on the 6hp motor and stays up in there when you drop the lower unit. Unless you messed it up with your poking around, it should all go back together ok.

BUT, in dropping the lower unit, you did it incorrectly, and that is what destroyed the roll pin. That pin has to come down through a slot. That means you have to turn the flywheel (spark plugs removed, please) until the pin aligns with the slot and the gearcase comes down. As it is now, you will have to "find" the slot and crankshaft splines alignment. Put it in gear and turn the prop and flywheel till you get lucky.

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Finally got the new parts. Question about the installation of the impellor: which way does the impellor turn (when looking at it installed in the housing)? do the arms bend back clockwise or counterclock wise?

When you're a rookie seems like there are questions about everything. Thanks for the help.

 

[rick101]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

The shaft turns clockwise, so just imaging what the impeller blades will look like if its turning clockwise in that housing.

Cheers,
Rick

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

 

[Rick.]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Everything turns clockwise from the flywheel down and the blades follow the rotation. Rick.

 

[ward cleaver]

Re: Overheating 6 hp Evinrude

Ok, well I got it all put back together. Mating the pin at the top of the shaft was no big deal. The old one was so chewed up there was hardly anything to grab with my plyers to get it out. Think this was partly responsible for the bad cooling? Stuffing the blades of the impellor into the housing was probably the hardest part and that was just a hassle.

Started up in just a couple of pulls and ran good -- possibly better than before. The block is no longer hot to touch and there is more water coming out. And the water is definitely cooler too.

So all and all a success. Thanks for all the help. Ready to tackle something a little more challenging. And I'll definitely start changing out my impellor every year like people suggest. It just isnt that hard. Only cost me $32 and I could have got a better price by buying online. Too bad the guy at the parts counter was a little grumpy. But he did know his stuff. I guess thats what counts.