50 hp evinrude tracker pro series

[midgetracer2222]

I have just purchased a 1989 17 ft bass tracker with a 50 hp evinrude engine. The engine says Evinrude Tracker Pro Series on the engine cover. I hooked up a water hose to the engine and started it in my driveway. When I would turn the key the motor would not try to crank over. While holding the key in the start position I hit the control box with my other hand and the motor cranked and started up. I started the motor 5 times each time having to strike the control box to get the motor to crank. Has anyone had a similar problem and how did you fix it? How do you get into the control box? Does the throttle handle have to be removed to get the cover off and if so, how do you remove it?
After I finished I put the boat into my garage and noticed oil leaking onto the floor. It appeared to be coming from behind the prop. Is there a seal there that could be leaking, and if so, what is involved with replacing it?
Could anyone recommend a good repair manual? What information is needed to assure I order the proper manual and where on the boat/motor is the information located?
Thanks in advance for any and all help, I am new at this.

 

[fireman57]

Re: 50 hp evinrude tracker pro series

Welcome to iboats. The oil is just unburnt fuel, nothing to worry about just messy. It sounds like your neutral safety switch needs to be adjusted/fixed. You can go to ishopmarine.com and look up the schematics for your control box there.