1980 70hp evinrude

[Mud Tail]

I saw the great info on this site so i decided to join. Im looking to upgrade HP and i look at a 1980 70hp. I was wondering if anyone new anything about them. Are they reliable? bad year for evinrude? common problems? Things of that nature. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[patrick4266]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

Good , Powerful Motors

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

I had a '75 and other than a stuck shut thermostat, it was an excellent, fuel efficient, smooth running, great purring...love that 3 cyl purr...powerful engine. Need I say more?

Mark

 

[billy4hp]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

I have nothing but good things to say about my 1978 70HP. Reliable, great power to weight ratio and easy to work on...

Just follow the buying a used engine thread in the Top Secret file, if it passes then you should be good to go.

Just plan on rebuilding the carbs, replacing the water pump impeller and t-stat (checking the high speed bypass valves), replacing the fuel lines and possibly replacing the fuel pump.

Regardless of what the current owner says all of these things should be at least checked over as they are the most common causes of failure / poor running and a bad day on the water...

JMHO...

Here's my worn out 70HP....

Could not have done it without this forum and Iboats.com marine store...

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

They are probably one of the most reliable engines made, easy to work on and part are readily available given that it was taken care of.

I have an 81 50 which is the same design just smaller and it has been bullit proof, still has the original power head and 135 compression, the only thing I have had to do to it in the 8 years I have owned it is clean the carbs.

If you can't hear it run at least do a compression check, should be over 100 and both cylinders within 10% and varify spark btu actually hearing it run is the best.

But yes, if it checked out I would buy one in a heart beat.

 

[Mud Tail]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

Thanks for the help. Its offered at a dealer and they said the carbs are rebuilt and the are going to change the water pump. Ill be taking a look at it today hopefully

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

Just plan on rebuilding the carbs, :

Hey man, don't want to "rain on your parade", but if you had been using Sea Foam in you gas as I have learned to do since joining this forum, you wouldn't have to do that, plus your kitty would be purring even louder.

Mark

 

[billy4hp]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

Hey man, don't want to "rain on your parade", but if you had been using Sea Foam in you gas as I have learned to do since joining this forum, you wouldn't have to do that, plus your kitty would be purring even louder.

Mark

Mark,




Not raining on my parade, my post indicates that you will likely need to rebuild the carbs on a engine that has been sitting... SeaFoam won't clear out plugged passages and jets...



I don't need to use SeaFoam myself (unless to decarb my latest purchase), my boat doesn't sit....

 

[5150abf]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

If you use any type of fuel filter and drain the float bowls during the off season you rarely have to clean carbs.

That is generaly brought on by dirt being sucked up from the gas tank or varnish build up form letting it sit with gas in it for an extended period of time.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

Or, you could live in a warm climate and run the motor 12 months per year!

As to the motor in question ... I think the OMC triples were some of the best engines that the company ever built. When taken care of, they are reliable and about as fuel efficient as an older outboard can be.



???

 

[Toddo1]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

I love my 1981 70....

 

[billy4hp]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

I love my 1981 70....

Toddo1,



Amazing example....

 

[super20dan]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

my 1984 65 3 cyl has been bullitproof. not a single problem since new. in fact i let it sit 20 yrs and it started with little coaxing .

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 1980 70hp evinrude

Great motors. They are only as good as their previous maintenance though.