1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

Skip Griffin

Recruit
Joined
Mar 21, 2008
Messages
2
Recently purchase a Mod 4206S in great condition but there are a few things I don't understand and there was no owners manual. First, there is a shift lever on the right side with the label Stop Start Fast. I would have guessed that Start would put the engine in Neutral but this doesn't seem to happen and it appears to be in gear all the time. Is this the way it should be. Also I can't find where the cooling water would come out. Does this engine have an impeller? I've owned a few Evinrudes and Johnsons but nothing like this and would appreciate any info from someone familar with this model. Thanks







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F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

Simplicity in itself. There is no shift. You point it in the direction you want to go and start it and off you go. (Or tie it to the dock first). Pivot it all the way around to go backwards.

The lever on the side is the throttle. Slow, start, fast says it all.

There should be a spray of cooling water out the holes about half way down the shaft anytime it is running. Most of the spent cooling water goes out with the underwater exhaust. Yes it has a water pump.

That basic motor was built for many years and is a sweetheart.
 

jameskb2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
191
Re: 1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

Your engine is a direct drive unit. A 1972 4 horse Evinrude.

There is no neutral or reverse. The prop is "always on". Reverse is achieved by spinning the unit 180 degrees to pull the boat instead of push it. The rod you believed is a shift rod, is the engine's throttle.

There is an impeller in the lower unit, as it's water cooled. There are I think, four bolts that hold it on. The exhaust exits from just above the prop. There should be a small oblong or rectangular hole angled down just above the prop.

Cooling water exits from a series of small holes in the rear of the exhaust leg, about 2 to 4 inches above where the lower unit connects to it. It'll spittle and spray from there. Not a solid stream. I have a '62 3 horse that had two holes each side (4 total) and I drilled the top two out about double the size for better water ejection. Don't know if I should have, but I did, and it's working fine. If you don't have holes there, (I think you should) then the water exits out the exhaust port.
 

JB

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Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

Ahoy, Skip.

Welcome to iboats. :)

That engine doesn't have F-N-R. The Stop-Start-fast lever controls the throttle.

Cooling water should exit the holes in the leg above the prop. It does have an impeller, and if you get no cooling water from the exit it should probably be changed. This is a "normal" thing with a "new" engine with unknown history, along with replacing the lubricant in the gearcase.

That is a wonderful little engine and with care will outlast your children.
 

JB

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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: 1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

F R and James type faster than I do. It is comforting to know they agree with me.. :)
 

jameskb2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 26, 2007
Messages
191
Re: 1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

F R and James type faster than I do. It is comforting to know they agree with me.. :)

heh heh....

I was thinking the same thing about F_R!

I think we all get a "jinx" on that one! :D
 

Skip Griffin

Recruit
Joined
Mar 21, 2008
Messages
2
Re: 1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

Thanks Guys, I understand. I'll put it in a barrell and get it running and let you all know how it works. With any luck I won't need to replace the impeller.
 

Xcusme

Commander
Joined
Apr 21, 2003
Messages
2,888
Re: 1972 4 HP Evinrude Questions

Skip, Take JBs' advice, replace the water pump impeller even if it does spray water. You'll only know when the last time it was replaced if you do it yourself, it's cheap insurance. Loose the pump and you'll send her to an early grave. Why take chances on overheating, blown head gasket,piston scuffing and other bad stuff.
 
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