1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

rkitterman

Cadet
Joined
Jun 10, 2007
Messages
8
I have a 1954 evinrude fleetwin 7.5 that I purchased at auction. The former owner said that it ran the last time he had it out. I converted it to a new fuel pump system in accordane to the duckworks article. I' ve put new plugs and rebuilt the carb on it. I can get it to run for several seconds on starter fluid ( which I know is not good for it), but I can't get it to maintain running. I seems to have good spark and compression. The longest it has wanted to run is for about 5-10 seconds. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

Agreed, pull the flywheel. All 1954 Evinrudes have bad/cracked coils unless they have already been replaced. Many are now on the 2nd or 3rd set.
 

55'Fleetwin7.5

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 29, 2007
Messages
241
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

can you give me more info on the fuel pump conversion? I have a 1955... Can it be done on it too?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

If you insist on changing to a fuel pump there is a better and much simpler way to get the pulse line access on a 7.5 than the duckworks article. Remove one of the two bypass covers on the side of the powerhead. Drill a 5/16" hole in the center of it. Tap the hole with a 1/8" pipe tap. Screw a hose nipple fitting (Ace Hardware) in the hole you just made and attach the pump's pulse line to that.

Plug the air hose coming rom the intake manifold.
 

samo_ott

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

And STOP using starter fluid! Would you run your car with an empty oil pan? When you use starter fluid you are running the engine with no lubrication at all. And the 50's engines have no roller bearings in them, it's straight metal on metal. Even worse, the fluid washes away what oil is already in there! Spray in fogging oil at the same time or premix the oil and gas in a spray bottle and use it to spray in. The engine lasted 50 years with oil... Keep it going with more oil :)
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

After you check the coils....

If the motor is running for 5-seconds and stalling, it is more than likely a fuel issue. Remove the lower needle valve and note whether fuel comes out when you prime the bulb. This will make sure you have fuel to the carb. If you pull the choke and try to start the motor and the carb throat stays dry, you're not getting fuel to the jet nozzle.

- Scott
 

rkitterman

Cadet
Joined
Jun 10, 2007
Messages
8
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

Well I tried the new ignition coils and set the carb as directed. I still can't get the darn thing to run. I do have nice blue spark when pulled and when I was under the fly wheel everything else appeared to be in good shape. Any suggestions? I'm starting to get frustrated but I'm still a little hoepful as every post I've seen about these motors appears to be in favor of them. Thanks.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

If the engine runs when you squirt (hopefully now) pre-mixed fuel from a spray container into the carburetor throat, that indicates that you've overlooked something within the carburetor.

Remove, clean again, and double check all fuel passageways.

(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)
(J. Reeves)

Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Setting the high and low needle valves properly:

NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.

(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting.

(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.
 

rkitterman

Cadet
Joined
Jun 10, 2007
Messages
8
Re: 1954 Fleetwin 7.5 help needed

Well I gave up and took it to the dealer due to lack of time and frustration. He said the Duckworks article conversion is the problem. I saw the post from Imported FR and was wondering if there were any pictures or better instructions/help before I tackle this. That remedy is also what the dealer suggested to do. Thanks
 
Top