1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

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Texmill

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I have a '69 Evinrude 55hp I picked up a few years ago. It had been sitting outside for over 10 years and wiring was completely shot. I was able to get a used wiring harness, resister, power pack and other electrical parts. I was actually suprised when it start up and ran. It idles and runs fairly smooth, but I took it out a couple of times for some test runs, and the engine still sounds good, but a WOT I know its not running nearly as fast as it should, maybe 10-15mph (my speedometer wasn't working then). This thing should be strong enough to ski behind? I haven't touched the carbs, but I do see some gas leaks when choke is on, but non-while underway.

Should I consider a carb rebuild or run some cleaner thru it?
Any suggestions?
 
jay_merrill

jay_merrill

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

If the motor sat for 10 years, a carb rebuild is very definately in order. In fact, I'm surprised that it pushed the boat at all!
 
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tx1961whaler

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

...and make sure it's firing on all cylinders
 
tashasdaddy

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Tuna mad

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

Prop size could be too big, also the motor could be too deep in the water. I had both these issues myself a while ago, it was a different boat after lifting the motor and putting on a smaller prop.....
 
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Texmill

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

Thanks for the info: I do have a new prop but haven't used it yet. I think it has more pitch than the old one, but is still within the motor specs. This motor is still on it orginal '69 Invader Tri-Hull 15'.

I'm pretty sure all cyl are firing or it wouldn't idle so smooth.

I'll invest in a carb cleaning, even though I think the kits are a little pricey for a couple of gaskets and stuff since there are 3 carbs.
 
Thunderhawk

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

First let me say Hello to all, great site. Long time reader, first time poster.
With that being said bear with me If I make a mistake.

Texmill, I have the same motor, same year and had same problem, I also thought my motor was firing on all cylinders on muffs, on the lake would not run right. Kept chasing the problem for a while, performed a cylinder drop test,found # 2 cylinder not contrubiting. Replaced carb with a cleaned donor
carb fixed problem, has been fine since. Hope this helps, Good Luck.
 
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Texmill

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

Thanks for the info. I've just been putting off rebuilding the carbs so we'll see how it does after that. I was supprised it ran at all considering how bad of shape it was in and how long it had setup.
 
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Texmill

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

Well guys, I rebuilt the carbs myself. They were really clean but I went ahead and replace the few parts there were. Adjusted them in the driveway and took it out Sunday afternoon. Took a few tries to get it started, but once we got going it was fine.

I don't know how acurate those old speedo's were, but I got up to about 22-23 mph & that with 4 adults and pretty choppy water. I don't know if that'
s good speed for this motor, but I was fairly happy with it. :cool: 5 year project, now maybe we have some fun.
 
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bangolure

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

had the same problem with mine few years ago...varnish in carbs was culprit..rebuild should doit, and power pak can cause chiming..intermitten running..good luck..
 
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Texmill

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

Yes, I cleaned out the high speed orafic. They didn't seem to be clogged, actually the entire carb seemed exceptionally clean. Instead of buying that special tool they say you need to remove the high speed, a small flat screw driver does the trick just as well.

Put some new spark plugs in it this week, and adjusted the low speed jets some more and we got her up to 26-27mph. I've got a tach to hook up now and see if I can fine tune some more. Maybe my $400 investment will start paying off...:D
 
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80skeys

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Re: 1969 55hp Evinrude low top end speed.

A little off topic, but you can get an accurate speed if you carry a handheld GPS with you. It'll tell you how fast you're going.

Texmill said:
Well guys, I rebuilt the carbs myself. They were really clean but I went ahead and replace the few parts there were. Adjusted them in the driveway and took it out Sunday afternoon. Took a few tries to get it started, but once we got going it was fine.

I don't know how acurate those old speedo's were, but I got up to about 22-23 mph & that with 4 adults and pretty choppy water. I don't know if that'
s good speed for this motor, but I was fairly happy with it. :cool: 5 year project, now maybe we have some fun.
Click to expand...
 
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