'65 6hp starts in bucket, won't start at lake

[NDNick]

Thanks to anyone who could help me out here. My grandpa gave me a '65 6hp Evinrude fisherman he has owned for years, I took it a small motor class last October and rebuilt the carb. I also took apart the lower unit, and although the unit looked as if it had never been taken apart, the mechanic said the impeller looked to be in great shape and said it will be fine. Tested spark plugs with some clip on device and both worked, one was a little fussy but still got it to fire. Then it was stored for the winter.

Fast forward to now - I have finished up my aluminum boat "restoration" this past week and wanted to take out the new rig w/ the 6hp to test out. Before I went to the lake I decided to grab a trash bucket like I've seen others do and try to start the motor in the garage. However I only had a trace amount of gas so I just pulled the starter rope a couple times and the motor did kick on and sputter. Died out but I assumed this was due to the lack of gasoline. So off I went to the lake. Filled up the tank, launched, put outboard in neutral, primed the bulb until firm, pulled choke, pulled rope, and the motor started for a bit and died out. After this happened twice, the motor stopped responding when I pulled the rope. Nothin. Nada. Worked on it for half hour and couldn't get it to come close to turning over. I assumed spark plug problem and returned home dejected. When I returned home I was frustrated and pulled the bucket out again to take a look. Motor started up on 2nd pull and for the first time I got the motor to idle at a nice pace (aka water splashing and a general mess in the garage). However I did note some white smoke appeared as the motor idled. What the heck happened? Did I flood the engine originally? Starting issue like spark plugs? Compression? I don't want to have a reoccurring problem but it was nice to actually get the thing running so I know it works. Again I would greatly appreciate any insight on the problem as my knowledge is limited, yet expanding "rapidly" after countless hours on this board. On a more positive note my trolling motor is running smoothly.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: '65 6hp starts in bucket, won't start at lake

The key to your post was your statement that one of the plug wires was difficult to get a spark from.

Since it's a 1965 model, it has the old universal magneto. The original coils on those are known to crack and fail. In addition, you may well have dirty points. Since you went through the carb, your next step is going to be to pull the flywheel and check the coils and other ignition parts. Any cracking in the coils, and they must be replaced.

You can buy new coils, points, condensors and plug wires reasonably, right here on iboats.

Don't run that outboard out of water, though. You'll ruin the impeller very quickly. It's another inexpensive part, so I'd replace that now, in any case. That outboard needs to be in water up to well above the water intakes to be safe to run in a barrel.

If you fix up the ignition and keep a good impeller in there, your outboard should be good for another 40 years or so. They're fine little units.

 

[NDNick]

Re: '65 6hp starts in bucket, won't start at lake

Thanks for the response, although I would expect nothing less from a St. Paul citizen. I grew up near/in St. Paul but moved over to Minneapolis recently. This is the reason I am running motor in the garage, the closest lakes to me that allow gas motors are in the 'burbs.

Unfortunately that news is not good as I'm no mechanic, however I do have the service manual and a little experience working on it. Assuming it's ignition issues I suppose I'll go for new plugs and check out the coils for cracks. Is putting off these repairs simply going to make the motor start inconsistently? I'm just wondering why I can get it to start fine off the water. I suppose I know the answer but am looking for an easy, lazy answer to get me on the lake. Thanks again

 

[CATransplant]

Re: '65 6hp starts in bucket, won't start at lake

It's probably running on just one cylinder. It'll start in the bucket, but when you put it in the lake, it sits deeper in the water. The back pressure from the water is enough to keep it from running on that one cylinder.

I'd be willing to bet that the solution lies under the flywheel. Could just be dirty points, which would cost you nothing. Could be new coils, which would cost you about $40.

Until you get all that sorted out, the engine's going to be unreliable for you. Once you get it all sorted out, it'll run like a Timex watch for many years to come.

It's your granddad's outboard. That alone would be enough to make it worth putting into great running condition.