1966 Evinrude Fisherman 6 hp - Is it worth fixing?

[BOAH]

I was given a 1966 Fisherman 6 hp. First thing, I checked the compression and both cylinders look about even somewhere about 85 lbs. Not sure what they should be but I do know they should be close to each other. Next I stuck it in a barrel. Got it to start after quite a bit of effort but had a hard time keeping it going. The RPMs surged up, dropped down and then would usually die.

It went into forward and reverse though and that seemed to work well.

When I was finished, the barrel was an oily mess. So it looks like seals are in order.

So I'm thinking a carb rebuild kit, impeller and seal kit for the lower end. With that kind of compression and this motor, is time, effort and money to do all of that worth it on this motor?

Is there anything I need to be aware of before I tear into it?

Thank you for your help!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1966 Evinrude Fisherman 6 hp - Is it worth fixing?

Well, the oily mess is likely a result of the up and down surging, NOT seals. The mess is unburned fuel and oil on the water's surface. Not uncommon with a motor run in a barrel, but can be made worse if the motor is not running well as less fuel than normal is burned up inside the motor.

Your compression looks good. You're on the right track for turn-up stuff. Don't bother with a seal kit unless you can confirm that water is actually leaking into the unit... the gear oil will be milky.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1966 Evinrude Fisherman 6 hp - Is it worth fixing?

You might need to refurb the ignition system and rebuild the carb. Make sure the coils do not have any cracks in the insulation. Those are excellent motors and yours would be worth every dime to tune it up right and put to use. Your compression looks good, so it seems that internally, it's in good shape.

 

[BOAH]

Re: 1966 Evinrude Fisherman 6 hp - Is it worth fixing?

That's good to hear. I'll work on the carb first and go from there. Thanks!

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1966 Evinrude Fisherman 6 hp - Is it worth fixing?

That's good to hear. I'll work on the carb first and go from there. Thanks!

I'd refurb that motor in a heartbeat - one of the best motors OMC ever made.

If its been sitting up for awhile, chances are it just needs a carb rebuild. Checking the ignition and waterpump is also a good idea and if the age of the impeller is unknown, its worth changing as a precaution. I would also check the thermostat, which is located in a triangular casing at the cylinderhead.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1966 Evinrude Fisherman 6 hp - Is it worth fixing?

That's good to hear. I'll work on the carb first and go from there. Thanks!

Actually, I would start with the ignition system first. Often times, ignition problems will make us believe that a carb is giving us a problem. A perfectly functioning ignition system, I have found, is the most vital part of these motors. I have actually had excellent runners, with the carb untouched since factory, but the ignition was refurbed. If it still runs crappy, after going through the ignition, then go to the carb. A lot of the 6's were built with the newer plastic floats, and the old cork floats were the main issue in the carbs.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1966 Evinrude Fisherman 6 hp - Is it worth fixing?

ia agree with the last post, you got the motor for the right price, compression is good. some patience and alot less $$$ than youd spend on a newer motor, you should get many years of good boating from what you have!