1971 evinrude starting problems

nikolass

Cadet
Joined
Jul 14, 2006
Messages
7
I just bought my first boat for very cheap its a 1971 starcraft with a 60 hp evinrude triumph motor. I tried to get it started today but when I turned the key the starter turned over and I kept trying but no start so I got frusterated and left and came back and when I turned the key it wouldn't even turn but I know for a fact the starter works we used two wires and a battery to see if it would work i dont understand it makes no sound now but did before when I turned the key?? any ideas
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1971 evinrude starting problems

nik. check every eclectrical connection, don't look at it take it apart and clean it shiney. ground also. make sure they are tight. How long has the motor been sitting since the last time it was ran? it's a 71 i have a 71 1350 merc the wiring was shot , and had to install complete wiring harness. and controler. a small nick in the battery cable will cause the wire to corroide from the inside. you can unplug the big red plug on the engine and clean the contacts
you can leave the red plug unplugged and use the proceedure you use to test the starter, and check for spark on each plug, also do a compression check.(remove all plugs, throttle to wide open then test)
you now know the condition of 2 elements required for this engine to run, post your finding we will go from there
be careful turning over by jumping. the only way to stop the engine is to choke it.
 

nikolass

Cadet
Joined
Jul 14, 2006
Messages
7
Re: 1971 evinrude starting problems

it came with the boat and the hulls a 1971 so im pretty sure its a 71 and I just dont understand why it would turn over with the key before and now it doesnt the guy i bought it from said that he had a guy winterise it thanks for the help
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1971 evinrude starting problems

some people will tel you anything to get your money. why is it doing it, thats what corroded dirty connection do. or a corroded wire got hot and when cooled lost continuity. a bettery cable corroding from the inside will conduct on 2or 3 strands, get hot and when cooled will contract and break the last strands. same thing in the controlled as i said my 71 merc all the wire had insulation cracked and falling off.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1971 evinrude starting problems

it's time to get a manual. (brp-evinrude, click english, click parts & access, click literature bottom right, this take you to kencooke.com follow the prompts you will need the model # off the engine.) these are pricey but if youwant that engine to run right you have to have the right manual.

email me and ask for awakening a sleeping outboard. it had a lot of info as to where you are. you can click my name to get email address.
 

dsinger

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 6, 2004
Messages
424
Re: 1971 evinrude starting problems

If you messed with the controler any I would work the thing around foward reverse several times to make sure the pressure in gear switch is not stuck. That is the part that wont allow you to start the thing while it is in gear. Keep an eye on that ball bearing that is going to shot out of the control box when you open it will play hell on your eye ball. Oh ya get a manual
 
Top