Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

[fleetwin7.5]

Interesting site, I've been lurking for a couple weeks.<br /><br />While digging my way to the back of my garage recently, I rediscovered a Fleetwin 7.5HP that I inherited long ago. It must have sat back there for 15yrs or more and probably hasn't been cranked in 25 years or more.<br /><br />First, I'm curious what year this engine was manufactured. The plate on the mounting bracket has 7518-21576. <br /><br />I remember ,as a kid long ago, my dad running this motor in a 55 gallon drum in the backyard. <br /><br />Maybe a project in the making. I do most of my own auto, lawnmower maintenance/repair, but this would be the first outboard I'd try to resurrect. Are impellers (I assume it has one) and carb kits even still available for these older Evinrudes?<br /><br />Any other definite things to replace, other than sparkplugs, before attempting to fire up this old aquasonic?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

Welcome to Iboats, Fleetwin7.5!<br /><br />Evinrude 7518<br />Year: 1955<br />HP: 7.5<br />WOT RPMS: 4000<br />Displacement: 12.4 cubic inches<br />Cylinders: 2<br />Weight: 56 lbs<br />Gear ratio: 15:26<br />Spark plugs: Champion J6C gapped at .030"<br />Lower unit oil: OMC/BRP 'HiVis' or other brand 90w outboard gearcase oil<br />Fuel/Oil mix: 24:1 87 octane gas to TC-W3 rated outboard oil.<br /><br />These old OMC engines are very tough and many 50's 7.5hp engines are still in regular service. Typically replaced parts are still available from a wide variety of sources, and are suprisingly inexpensive (as outboard parts go). Impellers and complete waterpumps can be purchased from your local Johnny/Rude dealer.<br />Most problems with these engines are related to their ignition system - most often from cracked ignition coils. Verify you can draw a spark 3/8" long before going much further. New coils are inexpensive (18-5181 from Iboats, around $17 each). Also, check compression to make sure you have an otherwise healthy engine. No more than a 10% variance between cyls. Before firing the engine, put a teaspoon of TC-W3 in each cyl and turn the flywheel a few revolutions. If there's anything dragging, don't start it.<br /><br />The 7.5s were known for throwing a rod through the crankcase if they were abused. Don't rev the engine in neutral, stick to 24:1, and keep that cooling system cooling and it'll treat you well.<br /><br />EDIT: Carefully go over the fuel lines and spark plug wires looking for cracks before firing it up. You'll want to replace the fuel lines soon, and if old gas was left in it, you'll need to rebuild the carb. Get the factory carb kit.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

Paul is right on the money. I've got a particularly soft spot for the 1955 Fleetwins, as that was the first motor I ever rebuilt (with my Dad) close to 30 years ago. They are a fantastic little motor, but do have their quirks. As Paul noted, keep the oil on the rich side and don't rev it up. Those aluminum rods don't hang too well if abused. <br /><br />In order to get at the waterpump, you'll have to pull the powerhead to disconnect the shift rod. Not a big deal, but you may have to replace the base gasket, so try to preserve the old one as best you can as a template. Iboats also carries the waterpump impeller for your motor.<br /><br />- Scott

 

[fleetwin7.5]

Re: Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

Wow!!! Thanks for the info and heads-up guys. I dug it out this morning and pulled the recoil starter thru a couple of revolutions. To my surprise, it wasn't frozen up.<br /><br />Any idea what solvent I should use to clean up the original gas tank or should I even consider using it?<br /><br />Chinewalker...thanks for the pic, that would be the tiller I just recently rediscovered.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

Hey I had one just like that when I was 17 (long ago). First motor I bought and spent many hours tinkering with it. Used it for years then sold it to a friend who is still using it today at his cottage in northern Ontario. Very reliable and easy to work on. Parts were readily available then, not sure about now 26 years later. I always had problems with the reed valve sticking.<br />The cowling is a hinged clam shell type correct?<br />Good luck with your motor fleetwin. I hope you get much enjoyment out of it.<br />Oh and check the lower unit oil before running it.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

Hi Fleetwin,<br /> I would pull the top canister off the gas tank so you can get inside it easier. If it's just sludge or old fuel inside, you should be able to go after it with coarse steel wool and some mild solvents. If the tank is lightly rusted inside you should be able to clean it up with coarse sandpaper. If it's heavily rusted, keep looking for another tank. They're not uncommon (as many folks would buy two tanks for their motors) and turn up at swap meets all the time. Never hurts to rummage around the local marinas either.<br /> I think it is vintageoutboards.com that has the rebuld kits for the dual line tanks.<br />- Scott

 

[Speedcat]

Re: Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

Hi, I just recently joined Iboats and I to have inquired a 1955 7.5 hp a couple of weeks ago. First of all I had to find the old pressurized gas tank to wit I did three of them. I tore all tanks down and inspected. Replaced filter screen in one of them and ordered the whole repair kit for the one I am keeping. I used oven cleaner on the inside of my tank twice and turned out excellent. Replaced the rubber hose with the twin hose and filled the old 30 gallon drum up. I did not even have to prime the gas tank. Followed the instructions for cold starting , but ran into a problem with gas running out below the high speed knob, not sure why. I played with it for awhile and am leaning towards the trottle is not set right. When I put on start gas runs out for some reason.
I unplugged the gas line and pulled it several times and to my surprise it started. I pulled it a few more times and broke the spring that rewinds the pull rope. I ordered one today for $10.00 and will try again. It was wonderful. Not the spring breaking but firing it up and hearing it run. I think I will have to find a small oil leak someplace in the middle or bottom of the unit and repair. I have no idea about the fuel coming out, can anyone provide any insight on this, any help would be appreciated.
The cover has been half sanded down so this will be a project for the winter time. I just want to get it running and get out on the lake. I also have a 2 hp evinrude that runs like a sewing machine, but I'm not sure it has enough power to push a 12' aluminum sears semi V around with two adults in it.
Thanks again, what a great sight. Now that I'm 53 with 7 grandkids maybe the role is reversed.
Thanks
Richard Hall
USA, SFC Retired

 

[JB]

Re: Rediscovery of Gramps old outboard

Thou shalt not hijack old threads.

Make a new one.