1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

[pwrcrzy]

I have two questions about my 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 horse. First I want to know if I can access my coils and points under the flywheel and if there is a special puller needed or a special trick to it? I am a professional mechanic, but not an outboard mechanic. What would the points be set at? Also I have oil leaking out of the compression relief valves on the head. Is there a valve seal of any kind there or is it just wear? Should I remove the arm and disconnect them? I have some sort of ignition problem; the boat idles and off throttle great, but missing on load. Any help would be greatly appreciated in advance.

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

Sometimes there is a "peephole" in the flywheel(the flywheels of the 1957).50 year old engines tend to "adopt" parts from other years.If you have that you should be able to adjust the points through this hole.The setting is 0.020.
To replace the points and coils you have to remove the flywheel.Do this with the special flywheel puller or a harmonic puller utilizing the 3 threaded holes on the flywheel.Do not use a gear puller because you will destroy the flywheel.If you remove the flywheel check the points,the condensers and the coils.If you see any cracks in the coils,replace them.
That being said,I suspect that your problem is in the adjustment and cleanliness of the carbureter/fuel delivery system.

 

[pwrcrzy]

Re: 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

Thanks for the information, I will check them out tomorrow. I have just bought the boat and the ignition system was supposed to be replaced, but I found a new coil in the used parts bag given to me with it which had been mounted; known by the marks let on it. It also had some rubs on it. I have read in the threads here about this if the coils are not properly lined up. Can you check for fuel volume/availability by just pressurizing the tank? Just thinking I want to make sure no problems there. I did not have any fluid to spray into the carbs when I was out as this was my first test drive. How many pumps do you usually need on these motors from sixty years ago?

Also, what info might you have on the relief valves??

Thanks again.
David

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

The fuel leakage leakage might be caused by somebody having removed the springs that are supposed to be there.
When you say pressurized,I think that you have a 1957 and not a 1958.
There is an idle adjuster needle valve and a workload adjuster needle valve on the carburetor.Sometimes when the packing seals are old these needle valves vibrate loose and your engine will start missing a bit.Make sure they are sitting tight and well adjusted.
The pressure tank pump only pumps fuel to the carburetor.It does not pressurize the tank.That is done by the the air return hose.
If you have pressure tanks ,you do not have a pump,nor do you need one.If you have a regular pump,then that one will be enough.Just make sure you have no air leaks in the hoses.

 

[pwrcrzy]

Re: 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

10-4. It is a standard 1958 with the dual line fuel tank. By pump, I mean how many pumps of the tank for running it. I had pumped it different each time I had let the pressure off of the tank and have seen no difference. However I have read someone write that it was tricky not to overpressurize the tank. I do not exactly know what is meant by that. I have learned a lot by searching the replies here.
Thanks to all who have helped everyone here!!!
My relief valves do have springs on them as well as all of the attachments seem to be there; meaning that they appear to work as intended. After running for half an hour, fuel/oil is running down the head from both. Common??

Thanks again

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

There's nothing "tricky" about pressure tanks. You just pump the primer button on the tank until it fills up the carb, the float shuts off the fuel, and you feel the primer firm up telling you the float just shut off. then you choke it and crank it. You may have to choke it a couple of times at first before the motor pressurizes the tank and starts pushing plenty of fuel. The tanks have a pressure relief valve and the pressure put in the tank is less than 10lbs. so don't worry about it. You CAN'T overpressurize it, although pushing on the primer button too hard might blow out your diaphragm. Some folks are paranoid!
I've never been lucky enough to get a 35 bigtwin so I don't know about your compression reliefs. BUt I don't think they should be leaking if in good working order. I sure would like to see a pic of your motor!
Later,
JBJ

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

I've never heard of the compression reliefs leaking but I guess they could. Are they sticking open a tad maybe? Is the top bar off the pull start holding them open at all? A lot of folks just remove that bar as the system does not work very well when old. Have you actually taken the compression readings on the engine? what are they?

And if the engine has no power it's probably your coils. Have you checked for a good spark yet? If there's no see thru on the flywheel pull it and check em out. If they are old, replace em.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1958 Evinrude big twin 35 oil leaks, coil problems

The most common reason for the compression relief valves leaking is that the actuators are adjusted too tightly. I can't remember, offhand, the recommended gap, but they shouldn't be tight. Try about 12 thousandths gap. That will do it. If the arm that goes on top of the flywheel is sticky or bent, that'll do it, too. It needs to be able to move freely.

They can also leak due to carbon deposits. That takes head removal. I've heard of having to lap them, as well, but have never seen that condition.

On your pressure tank, the button doesn't pressurize the tank. It's a little pump that pumps fuel to the carb. The tank pressurizes when the engine's running.