'68 v4 65 hp Evenrude, ran nice now dead?

[Sean Murphy]

1968 Evenrude V4, 65 HP Outboard.<br /><br />Here is the deal. I bought my first boat this season. I had it out a few times this summer. It ran ok but seemed to reach top end RPMs after a long (20 second) delay from the time I moved the throttle all the way forward. I was just getting used to this boat and "feeling it out" a bit. It's an old boat and I wanted to get to know it first. I decided that it was running good enough to open it up for a longer duration rather than my 1 - 2 minute full throttle spurts. Then it happened. After about 10 minutes it just quit all at once *poof* with no hint of ever starting again. No spark whatsoever. After I got it home and looked at it I noticed that a wiring harness that was around the rear of the engine and right above a very warm rectangular electronic component was in very bad condition. The insulation was crumbly and some wires were now bare and shorting. Could the rectangular object be the power pack? My first diagnostic guess would be the coil fried but I am learning that it may be the power pack or both. Obviously I have to replace that harness or build one myself if possible. <br /><br />What should I start with after the wiring is replaced if I still have no spark? <br /><br />My local outboard mechanic is out of his gourd with his estimate so it looks like I’m going to be doing it myself as I am having a hard time finding a shop to even take the job. I am convinced this could be a good motor, after all it ran nicely when I got it.<br /><br />I may also need to replace some seals in the gear case? The oil seems to be turning a tiny bit milky as if it may have water in it.<br /><br />I’m sure you can see that I am a bit new to outboard motors and boats. I am glad there is a site like this to offer a helping hand to guys like me. <br /><br />Thanks in advance for any and all help.<br /><br />-Sean Murphy<br />313-824-6502

 

[JB]

Re: '68 v4 65 hp Evenrude, ran nice now dead?

Sean, your first step is to buy a manual, before you start on the wiring.<br /><br /> http://www.boatmotors.com/manuals.html <br /><br />If you still have problems after that, let us know and we can make some specific recommendations.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[alcan]

Re: '68 v4 65 hp Evenrude, ran nice now dead?

Hi Sean<br />I agree toataly with JB. If you like challenges this motor couldn't be better. Mechanicly these models are as solid as any and when they were new they were great motors. There are a great many of these models around still in sound mechanical condition. The trouble is that the electrical systems are shot. Most of the time do to rotton wiring harness. This model uses a battery powered,point triggered, capasitor discharge ignition system. This is an early electornic ignit. system. Every componate in this system has to function perfectly or you risk damage to the ampifier (power pac). I mean every thing from the key switch, battery to the ground. This system will not tollerate a patch up job. It is very important that you as your own tech, study and for the most part understand what it is going to take to make this unit depenable. With out even seeing your motor my guess is that your looking at around at least $600. in parts. Three hundred of that will be for a new after market amp. And if you don't go the distance with the rest of the stuff (all new wiring, correct battery in good condition, test and replace charging ststem componates,etc you will need another amp in short order. If your up for the challenge this will make for a great winter project. This will not be anything near a financial sucess. It is going to cost you more that the motor is worth. This is why you can't find a shop that will take the job ( they already know this). Do a search in the archives on this board then buy a manual or get one to read at your public library, do your home work. Then if you feel your hard headed enough to tackle this I can send you some service bullitens and other tech info if and when you need it. Sorry, I am not trying to discurage you. This is kind of a big bite for a guy's first motor. And then we need to talk about that Lower unit.