1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

ric44

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Joined
May 20, 2010
Messages
23
Guys I had this motor on the lake about 3 weeks ago before I converted it to electric start. I pulled it several times choke on before it hit, then a few more times before it fired off and ran. Ive had several of these 25s lately and this one seemed to have a funny feel to it while pulling the rope- almost like trying to pull start it in gear......just a sluggish slowwwwwwww feel to rope. It did however fire up and ran well in a all day fishing trip and ran surprising smooth at idle. Yesterday I converted it to electric start and upon getting everything tightened and wired up I thought I would spin it over a few times dry just to check my work. It would turn over but seemingly at about half the speed it should have. The battery is brand new and fresh charged and I even swapped the starter for a known good one I had stashed away. this thing should really spin fast but same result.....very slow turnover. I havent tried it yet in the tank but it seems to me that its not even turning fast enough to start ? It sure has me baffled as I know it ran and ran good a few weeks ago albeit the strange feel to the rope........any ideas at all? BTW the motor had set up a good while before I got it running. And it was a Florida motor so I assume it has seen some salt water usage........Any help appreciated thanks.
 
Last edited:

Mas

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
1,656
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

Double check all the connections are clean and tight...especially the ground. Also, the recoil probably needs to be cleaned/lubed.

Mas
 

ric44

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Joined
May 20, 2010
Messages
23
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

Double check all the connections are clean and tight...especially the ground. Also, the recoil probably needs to be cleaned/lubed.

Mas

Connections are right. The recoil starter would have nothing to do with the electric starter. But thanks for the input.
 

Mas

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Oct 3, 2006
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Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

I agree, but you mentioned a "funny feel while pulling with the rope."

Mas
 

kbait

Commander
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Nov 13, 2007
Messages
2,471
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

Pull the plugs and turn the flywheel (clockwise) by hand in neutral. It should be free and easy. Even in neutral, the drive gears in the gearcase are always turning on the propshaft, and the dog just mates to one or the other when you put it in gear. Perhaps you have super thick gearcase oil, or a gear issue down there. If it's still stiff w/plugs out spin test, drop lower unit and try again. If it's free and easy, you'll know where to look. Good luck!
 

Mas

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2006
Messages
1,656
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

Also, pull starting a 25 hp is no easy chore. It will take a lot of effort and by no means will it be smooth...lots of compression!

Mas
 

ric44

Cadet
Joined
May 20, 2010
Messages
23
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

I nailed it down guys. I was trying to use a OMC push button stop switch as a starter switch.........which was really ignorant. Nowhere near enough amps-current getting to the starter. I jumped across the posts on the solenoid and she spun like johnny b good. Took a trip to O'Reillys and got a 60amp waterproof switch and wired it in and now Im back in the game. I appreciate the help though guys. Thanks, Rick.
 

dew2

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
674
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

that sounds strange?? with a solenoid all that should be required it a simple 12 v switch to get to the small solenoid pole then the heavy amperage engauges from the main batt in to starter out.If you had no solenoid then the 60A would be needed to get the full batt power.
 

ric44

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Joined
May 20, 2010
Messages
23
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

I agree dew2 it is strange but when I pulled the stop switch and wiring out and replaced it today there was evidence that the wires had been pretty hot and so was the plastic conduit I enclosed them with. Anyway I wired a 60amp pushbutton switch up using 12ga wire and now it works like a champ. Hmmmm you have me thinking it might not be wired correctly. I will check.
 

ric44

Cadet
Joined
May 20, 2010
Messages
23
Re: 1978 25hp Evinrude Problem

dew2 you were right. I had the wires run to the wrong poles on the solenoid. Full battery current was going thru the momentary switch, hence the smaller switch and wires heating up. Relocated the switch wires to the correct small solenoid poles and its fine now. Thanks for making me think.
 
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