1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

[OldPcGuy]

Hello all..!! I'm new to this forum but not new to boats/motors/etc. I've worked on OMC outboards before, but it was a LONG time ago. Most of my experience was on OMC 140/150hp motors from 1978-1990.

Here's what I have... A 1987 Evinrude 200XP that I've "known" since new. My friend bought it and installed it on his boat, which I then bought 10 yrs later. I've stored to boat for 10 yrs, starting it every 2yrs, then re-winterizing it after running it. It has run on ethonal fuel, but not for any length of time, just to run it for 15 min every two-three years, and re-winterize it.

Now that I'm trying to get back on the water.... I had a mechanic replace the water pump, foot oil, top off the trim oil (a problem for later), replace one power-pack, and clear all the water lines. There SEEMED to be carb issues, but after messing around with it, all the cylinders were firing. The mechanic opened a couple of 'float drains' to see what came out, didn't seem concerned, and said "You're ready to go..!!"

Now I'm in the water, and the engine is running not so good... It seemed ok at first, but 15 minutes after launch, I tried some throttle and its obviously not running on all cylinders. Oddly (?) it seems to idle 'fast'... I pulled the cover to look at it, and returned to the dock. Later as I was putting the cover back on, I noticed the 'plug' to the replaced power pack un-coupled..!!! Whether this happened when I removed the cover I don't know. I connected the coupler, started it, and it seems to idle more slowly and run a bit better. I'm about to give it a test run now.

Lastly, there is a water 'leak' from a small ' fixture ' attached to the block, just behind the carbs, on the starboard side, about mid-engine. It has some sort of 'actuator' on it that looks like it's attached to the throttle linkage. Can anyone tell me what this unit is called..?? I've never seen a leak like this. Does it have replaceable seals..??

I'm pulling the plugs prior to test running it again to see if the plugs are "wet".

Should I be re-building the carbs as a matter of 'age' and storage length..??

The last time the engine was used it always ran great. Fast..!!

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

Yes you should rebuild the carbs on a motor that sat that long. Also a few other things in the fuel system. I would go over it just to make sure. Seeing a new 200 is about $15K new. I check all the hoses for dry rot and cracking, both the fuel lines and recirc lines. I found a ton of air leaks on the one I am rebuilding right now.

I would also change out the thermostats if the that water system is leaking the way you are describing. The unit you ar describing is servicable but one of the parts (wiper) is no longer availble. If your's needs that part there is a rework/alternative system that is way less complicated and way less parts. Just thermostat, spring and cover. I have a couple of extra covers that I did not need if you want. Also if you want to rebuild that system then I have a couple of parts for that one. Seat, vernatherm, and gaskets. All other parts are not needed to be replace up in the t-stats.

LEt me know how you make out. I have a 225, basically the same motor.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

yes rebuild/clean the carbs...that would have been first thing i would have done after sitting for so long. replace the hose or repair to stop the water leak. all fuel ines probably getting dry rot and need replacing..go to boats.net for a parts breakdown of your motor, they have great schematics. you also need to check compression, and spark..check spark with a spark gap tester with a 7/16 gap..I will bet you may need more coils..after sitting so long I would probably replace all coils, CDI has great coils, I got some that came with new plug wires..you should also test the stator and regulator/rectifier with a DVA adapter per instructions from CDI electronics web site. that is a great motor ..give it the full maintenance it deserves. be sure to test the fuel pump also..it should be spurting a good amount of fuel...if it is weak it could starve your cylinders creating a lean condition and burning up your pistons...you may want to go ahead and rebuild/replace the fuel pump/s, if there is any doubt.

 

[dehydrated]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

the part your refering to is a water control valve

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

Yes you should rebuild the carbs on a motor that sat that long. Also a few other things in the fuel system. I would go over it just to make sure. Seeing a new 200 is about $15K new. I check all the hoses for dry rot and cracking, both the fuel lines and recirc lines. I found a ton of air leaks on the one I am rebuilding right now.

I would also change out the thermostats if the that water system is leaking the way you are describing. The unit you ar describing is servicable but one of the parts (wiper) is no longer availble. If your's needs that part there is a rework/alternative system that is way less complicated and way less parts. Just thermostat, spring and cover. I have a couple of extra covers that I did not need if you want. Also if you want to rebuild that system then I have a couple of parts for that one. Seat, vernatherm, and gaskets. All other parts are not needed to be replace up in the t-stats.

LEt me know how you make out. I have a 225, basically the same motor.

Hi and thanks for the info. There had 'seemed' to be an overheating issue, the occasional overheat 'horn'. But once all the lines were 'cleared' and the new powerpack was installed, it has not re-occurred. The thermostats are new.

What am I looking at to rebuild the carbs..?? I haven't looked online yet or called my local OMC dealer to get prices. I'm guessing the kits come for each "side"..?? Is it floats, gaskets, jets...???

I'm hoping that the engine is still fine... it was strong and fast, and never gave me ONE problem...

Do you have any suggestions on how I can get the trim pin 'covers' off..?? I used to do it with a two-pronged spanner wrench, and never tightened too much. Either these were torqued in too tight, or corrosion has locked them up...

I made a four pronged 'wrench' from a piece of 1-1/4" steel pipe and couldn't budge the covers..(!!!) I bent the 'pins' on the tool..!!!

Thanks..!!!

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

THANKS..!!! that is EXACTLY what it 'appears' to be... and I'm suspecting it has some rubber inside that needs replacing...

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

yes rebuild/clean the carbs...that would have been first thing i would have done after sitting for so long. replace the hose or repair to stop the water leak. all fuel ines probably getting dry rot and need replacing..go to boats.net for a parts breakdown of your motor, they have great schematics. you also need to check compression, and spark..check spark with a spark gap tester with a 7/16 gap..I will bet you may need more coils..after sitting so long I would probably replace all coils, CDI has great coils, I got some that came with new plug wires..you should also test the stator and regulator/rectifier with a DVA adapter per instructions from CDI electronics web site. that is a great motor ..give it the full maintenance it deserves. be sure to test the fuel pump also..it should be spurting a good amount of fuel...if it is weak it could starve your cylinders creating a lean condition and burning up your pistons...you may want to go ahead and rebuild/replace the fuel pump/s, if there is any doubt.

Well... I'm sure you right... I was hoping that rebuilding it all wouldn't be needed. The mechanic went over the hoses pretty carefully and didn't seem to think they were 'bad'. Everything has been kept well, sprayed with preserver, etc... not that that makes everything 'ok' and last forever. I'll hit that website (CDI) and scope out coils, etc. While we didn't check the electrical with a VM, there 'appeared' to be plenty of spark.. it was arcing a long way. Whether or not any of the coils is intermittent is another matter. I've had that happen before... it's fine for an hour/day/week... then bad for awhile... then good again. They are often cracked... but on the powerhead side hidden from view.

Thanks for your help..!!

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

yes rebuild/clean the carbs...that would have been first thing i would have done after sitting for so long. replace the hose or repair to stop the water leak. all fuel ines probably getting dry rot and need replacing..go to boats.net for a parts breakdown of your motor, they have great schematics. you also need to check compression, and spark..check spark with a spark gap tester with a 7/16 gap..I will bet you may need more coils..after sitting so long I would probably replace all coils, CDI has great coils, I got some that came with new plug wires..you should also test the stator and regulator/rectifier with a DVA adapter per instructions from CDI electronics web site. that is a great motor ..give it the full maintenance it deserves. be sure to test the fuel pump also..it should be spurting a good amount of fuel...if it is weak it could starve your cylinders creating a lean condition and burning up your pistons...you may want to go ahead and rebuild/replace the fuel pump/s, if there is any doubt.

Boat.net has listings for two 1987 200hp... neither says "XP"... any idea which of the listings is for my engine..??? E200STLCUA . . ??? or E200TXCUC..??

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

Thanks Jeff,

The thermostats are new, the water lines all checked and cleared, new waterpump with 'kit', and the water system as 'flushed' as we could get without removing the heads. The 'water control valve' is leaking.. in a tiny low pressure 'stream'... sometimes a dribble. Otherwise the unit "looks" fine.. no damage or corrosion. I suppose removing it and inspecting the parts is called for.

The boat.net parts list shows... control valve 'arm' (mine "appears" ok), wiper (obsolete, but I haven't eyeballed mine), and a seal.... which I'll guess (hope) is the only thing needing replacement to stop the leak. Did you say you had the seal..?? If the 'wiper' is bad, what is the work-around..??

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

Nope do not have the seal for the control valve. That you will need to get at a dealer.

I would not replace any electrical components as of yet. Before youdo any of that I would use the spark gap test as sugested. They are cheap for a single unit. 6-10bucks. Lisle makes them. This is your number one ignition testing tool for boats. Next is a dva test leads for a hand held volt meter. You get them from ebay. Also go and get yourself a factory Evinrude Manual. It is a must. It has all the test procedures for the elctrical components. Will save you money in the long run.

You have a stl (XP) model. Not the txl (regular).

Open up the water valve and see whats going on before you buy anything. Is this a salt water motor?

Carb kits run anywhere from 21-25 bucks from a dealer. They com with gasket, float, needle and seat. No jets. They get cleand by you. Use a wooden tooth pick and pin to clean if plugged. Also you will want to not over tighten anying on those carbs. They are plastic and ten to warp if the bowl scres are over tightened.

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

Ok. Thanks so much for the advice and info. I've got one cylinder that is not firing. I "hear" a big-time "snap" when the plug boot is held near the plug or head... and I know it's not as good as a 'tester'.. so I'll get a tester. The plug is 'wet' with fuel/oil but not REAL WET, and 'clean' without carbon... and the cylinder head is much 'cooler' than the rest of that 'bank'. If it hadn't gotten dark, I was going to swap coils with another cylinder to check the coil... see if the 'problem' moved with the coil.

I haven't installed a carb kit since the 80's, but how much 'harder' can it be...?? I'll take your advice about not over-tightening... THANKS..!! The fact that they are plastic is actually my MAIN concern in working with them.

I don't have my FLUKE DMM with me, just a 'cheapo' dmm... will DVA 'test leads' work with a 'cheap' meter..??
I take it the DVA is for testing the stater, etc... (?)

Having not done engine work in awhile, I'm getting as much advice as I can from friends and this forum... for de-gunking carb parts a product by AMS has been suggested... any suggestions on what solvent/cleaner to use...?? Or NOT use..???

Yes, it is/was a salt water motor... and certainly there could be crud involved. First in the north-eastern US, now in South Florida. Here in FLA it is mostly in brackish water.. not the ocean or intracoastal. Have you removed one of these water control valves before..?? It looks like it has only two screws that allow the unit to come off without removing the big throttle linkage lever right next to it... yes..??

Thanks again for so much of your time and advice.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

yes a DVA adapter will work with a cheapo meter....as I said that is a great motor and as long as it has good compression is well worth a little extra maintenance ..it will last you a long time if you take care of it. And you can do pretty much all of the diagnostic and repair work on it yourself..which is real handy in June when all the outboard shops are backed up 4-5 weeks before they can even look at it.

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

Great..!! I'll get one (a DVA adapter). I agree, great motor... I loved that 'era' of OMC motors... if you treated them right, cared for them, they ran strong/fast forever. So, I'll try and keep this motor, and give it all the 'love' it needs... like carb kits, etc.

I'm out of town in a couple days, so this 'project' goes on 'hold' for a few weeks... when I return, carb kits, and electronic diagnostics with the DVA....

Thanks again for so much of your time, and help...

Gene

 

[OldPcGuy]

Re: 1987 EVINRUDE 200XP - What next..??

Another question... would NOS (New Old Stock) carb kits suffice..??? Would they be 'old rubber' and already begun becoming 'broken down'..?? Also, I assume the 'kits' have been 'updated' in some way... in a significant way..?? Specifically, are the new carb kits better suited to running gas with ETHONOL..???

Thanks..!!!