1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

[BoatFisho]

Picked up a very tidy 73 Johnson Seahorse.

Im really nervous as Ive never owned an older engine and Im a bit worried about how reliable it will be.

Im semi mechanical, but never changed a carb etc, just oil filters etc on the car. How hard is it to self service and repair these kinds of engines? I dont have many tools and cant afford any expensive ones, is there anything expensive I should be aware of that I need?

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

welcome to the iboats forum bf!! nice little motor you picked up! the only special tools you may need can be rented from most auto parts stores. ( pay a deposit, get a full refund when you return the tool!) start with a compression test. your motor is very easy to service with basic tools, and you will get all the help you will need here in the forum!

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

omg what a welcoming reply. thanks. i feel a little overwhelmed but confident at same time as there are so many of these engines around.

ok ill figure out how to do a compression test.

the way im thinking is most problems will be with carb cleanliness, spark plugs, compression and starter. is that a fair assumption? anything else i should keep in mind to start?

i am not sure how this engine will run as my mate is delivering it to me, i bought it on good faith which was a bit stupid but ive seen plenty of detailed pics of it and it looks very tidy. also its mostly been used in fresh water.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

all you need is good compression, good fuel air mix from the carb, and a good strong timed spark from the iginition! maybe check out the top secret file at the top of this forum. other than that, take your time with it, ask plenty of questions here, ( no such thing as a stupid question!!). there are many members here that will help you along.

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

awesome. ive gone from nervous to excited.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

Welcome. Just don't be afraid to ask any question what so ever. That's why we are here.

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

Thank you so much, makes me feel like this is a great community to be part of.

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

Someone said to me I might be able to convert my 6hp to 8hp, is this true?

 

[kbait]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

Sure.. Sell the 6 and buy an 8.

Seriously though.. 6hp is what you have.. it's not a 'de-tuned' larger powerhead.

Good luck!

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

You could trade it in on an 8hp.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

nope.

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

The carb can be overwhelming at first. Go to Shop2Evinrude, find you motor and carb, print it out on big paper and put it on your bench. Account for every part.

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

what do you call the toothy gears that attach near the engine for the tiller throttle? they look a bit knackered.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

heres the parts breakdown for your motor ( may not be the exact model)

1973 Evinrude 6302S 6 hp Outboard Motor Parts

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

yeah ive been to that, but i cant figure out which section the throttle/tiller parts belong to

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

Look in the exhaust housing section.

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

awesome. got it. why is under exhaust housing though?

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

silly question coming, when i go to clean the carb, do i need a rebuild kit or will the existing gaskets still be usable?

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

not a silly question at all!!! but do get a carb kit. make sure to take your time with cleaning.....being fussy with the cleaning will pay off in the end. (the carb is very simple on that motor!) make sure to post back with questions on how to get at the tiller side nut tho!!

 

[BoatFisho]

Re: 1973 6hp Seahorse (Im nervous)

i was hoping i could get away without any spending just at the mo as i dont have any spare cash

might have to save the cleaning for another time

also dont have a compressor to blow the air anyway