Re: 1971 40hp Evinrude Common Problems?
As far as outboards go, the 1971 Evinrude 40 is a model of simplicity. There are no black boxes at all, just simple user-serviceable breaker points. Although the spark is not as hot as CDI and being mechanical, they are always gradually going out of tune, albeit at a slow rate, they definitely do not suffer from the expensive black box syndrome. 1971 was the year that Johnson & Evinrude decided to stop pedaling the 40 as an upscale motor since the new looper 50 appeared. The 40 was repositioned as the simple economy motor, taking over from the 33. Really the 1971 ? 1976 40 (and later commercial 40s) were about simplicity, low cost and effectiveness. 1971 was a curious year in which the 40s adopted the new parsimonious tack but still carried the 1961 cowl & base. No more ?Super Quiet? double walled lower units, thermostats (!) or pushbutton Electric shifts. Really they were considered an archaic motor when new, but that is the appeal of them today. Only 1 carburetor, so no need for carb sync tools. They are brute force motors that are solid & reliable, you generally can't go too far wrong with them. Slow revving, high torque motors that are the model of simplicity and need no special parts. I would say that you have stumbled upon a great motor (assuming it hasn?t been overheated, neglected or used for millions of hours). As far as project motors, these are relatively simple and good, complicated by the electric start & electric choke. Good motor generally. Don?t become a stranger to this forum, as these are the sort of motors that laymen thrive on.
