Running an Evinrude with no electrics

Mohawkmtrs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2010
Messages
563
Working on a 1974 Evinrude 40 HP model# 40E74S, remote, electric start.

A friend brought it in off the boat. I have it on a stand and my question is: Will it hurt to rope start it and run without any electrics hooked up from the remote and no battery?

I realize that I'll likely have to choke it to stop it.

All advice appreciated.
 

kfa4303

Banned
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
6,094
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

If you're strong enough to pull start it, you should be fine. just make sure it's pumping plenty of water while running.
 

airman1094

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 30, 2013
Messages
108
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

I've always heard that it is bad to run outboards without a battery hooked up! From what I understand the rectifier can blow a diode from voltage spikes because the gererated power has no where else to go...I always run mine with a battery...even discharged ones just to help bank extra voltage...not 100% on how true it is
 

kbait

Commander
Joined
Nov 13, 2007
Messages
2,471
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

Agree w/airman^. I've heard it's bad for the charging circuit, but have seen many charge just fine after running for years w/o battery hooked up. Just be sure to isolate the battery cable ends so they can't touch together.. that'd likely cook the charging circuit.

Good luck!
 

kfa4303

Banned
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
6,094
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

+1. aiman1094 may be correct I didn't think about the electronic ignition. It it was a year or two older with a magneto, it would be a non-issue, but I'm not sure about the solid state system.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

While some people may have lucked out, far more have blown rectifiers by running with the battery disconnected, (or cables loose). If you must run without the battery, disconnect the yellow wires from the rectifier.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

With electronic ignition, will it start without a battery?
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

On that mtr yes...
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

With electronic ignition, will it start without a battery?

It doesn't have electronic ignition. It has the OMC Lo-Tension Magneto. And yes it will run without a battery.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

A mag can run without a battery- someone mentioned EI earlier. Curiosity, is all. Thanks.
 

Mohawkmtrs

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2010
Messages
563
Re: Running an Evinrude with no electrics

Thanks guys...I'll disconnect the yellow wires from the rectifier before ropeing it.

I'll likely have an arm like a leg by the time I'm done. It hasn't run in couple of years.

I have the gear case off now and will be putting in a W/P kit but the last guy in it installed 2 mild steel screws in the pump housing and you guessed it...rusted like crazy!

I have it soaking with penetrating oil for a couple of days now...hopefully, Patience will be my friend.
 
Top