1959 Evinrude V-4 50hp problems

[dorsett59]

So, I'm still working on my old Evinrude motor, trying to iron out some issues. A carb and fuel pump rebuild cleared up a lot of them, including the peeing large quantities of fuel out the exhaust. BUt, it picked up a new problem. The motor now runs fine for a couple minutes, but then starts bogging down and dying right as the thermostat kicks in. The cylinders feel like they're getting too hot.
Anyone know a quick way to check water pump action without removing the lower unit?
Also, does anyone have a good way to check the reliability of the reed valves? I feel after 50 years, these may be a little on the flaky side.

Thanks in advance!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1959 Evinrude V-4 50hp problems

you have to run the motor in a large barrel, with water atleast 1/2 way up the leg, you should be getting mist, or droplets out the exhaust relief outlets on the back of the leg. if not you are not pumping water. also check the head temp with a infrared thermo.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1959 Evinrude V-4 50hp problems

Reeds don't go bad unless some critter got down in there and built a home. Or that's where that screw that you dropped went.

EDIT:
OR, you or somebody else messed with them, i.e. flipped them over, bent the stops, etc.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1959 Evinrude V-4 50hp problems

Dorsett, Check the heads with your hand. It should get uncomfortly warm, but not burn you. Sometimes the thermostat goes bad. You can test it with a meat thermometer. It should open at 140 degrees. You can run it without the thermo and see if that helps.

Oh yeah, Check the plugs to see if they are greenish. If so, the motor is overheating.