83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

USS Neversail

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I just got this Tracker with an 83 Evinrude 50 from a family friend who left it out in the weather for years. <br />Is there anything I should do before starting . . . other than changing oil and replacing the fuel filter?<br />I think I'm gonna get the Clymer manual too. I think the 48-235 is the right one. <br />Pretty new to this, so I need some help. Thanks! <br /><br />Jason
 

Bob_VT

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Jason, you are on the right track! Start with the manual. You are at the mercy of how it was treated before it was stored. On a brighter note the storage only has affected it's age not performance.<br /><br />Check the impellar (actually replace it)...you don't want it overheating first trip out.<br /><br />Install fresh Champion plugs. Check the fuel tanks for rust and gunk...clean them out too.<br /><br />Check the fuel lines and hoses for cracks. You should hit a marine supply house and buy a set of muffs to start the motor outside the water.<br /><br />Change the lower unit oil.<br /><br />As for the boat... if it has a deck check for any soft spots in the decking. Make sure you have a tight fitting drain plug too.<br /><br />The boat wiring may be corroded so I would check EVERY connection (remove, clean, and re-install)just to be safe.<br /><br />Post any problems you encounter here and everyone will be happy to help.<br /><br />Bob
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Ok, now I REALLY feel like a rookie. ;-) <br />What is an impellar? Doesn't that have something to do with the waterpump?<br />Also, what are "muffs?" You said with them I can run the boat without it being in the water. I may be naive, but I was thinking of a big trashcan filled with water. <br /><br />Holy Cow! I've got a lot of work to do . . . gotta run . . . and thank you for your help.<br /><br />Jason
 
D

DJ

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

USS,<br /><br />Yes, the water poump is the impeller. A big trash can will work.
 

Solittle

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Make sure you get rid of every single drop of fuel that may have been left anywhere - as in tank, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pump and carbs before you crank it. You can anticipate having to rebuild the carbs but might get away with not doing it if the fuel was run out of the engine the last time it was run.
 

fireman 757

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

You will still want to pull the carb and clean it. Especially the high speed jet. That is the long tube that goes down into the bowl. Even if all the fuel was run out this jet seems to "trap" some and gum up. You might even run a bread wrapper wire (without the coating) up in there to break up any gunk that has collected. Also remove and clean the needle valve and seat. solittle is right that the major problem you will incur will be in the carb due to old fuel. It turns to varnish. When you get it going don't forget to put the plug in.
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Thanks for info, folks. <br />Solittle and fireman, I'll check out the ENTIRE fuel system. Started to last PM & found a hole in the bulb. Got gas everywhere. <br /><br />And Bob_VT, the electrical cleanup has started too. I took a look at the fuse box. About 20 wires and fuses all jumbled up. I'm thinking about wrapping the wires up in conduit to protect them and organize them. <br /><br />Thanks, again, for all the help.<br /><br />Jason
 

Bob_VT

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

There is ton's of info already on this board on any topic on the boat and wiring. In a nutshell the wiring tends to corrode inside the wire and it actually creeps down wires under the insulation. A few tips: New use "scotch locks" or quick connectors they always fail. Solder, shrink wrap tubing and LPS-3 will save the electrics. (LPS-3 is a great rust retardant that leaves a film and is available at parts store).<br /><br />We did not mean to scare you off with all the suggestions but, we want to see you be able to enjoy the boat without maintenance nightmares.<br /><br />Bob
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Thanks, Bob.<br /><br />Won't scare me off. I know the limits of my knowledge. NIL. So any suggestions or comments are not only welcome, but badly needed. <br /><br />Jason
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

[edit] I think this actually belongs in another forum. The boats forum. Sorry, still learning . . . I'll wait till I get to working on the engine to bug you folks again.<br /> :p <br />Cleaning the gas tank tonight. There is a cork on the inside, I presume for the gas gauge. If I remove the assembly for that, does it require a new seal to make sure I get negative pressure in the future? There are four bolts holding it in place on the tank.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Jason
 

fireman 757

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

That is a gasket. It is best to replace if you can.
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Would the gasket in a tube type stuff work? Just squirt a seal on, instead of trying to find one for that particular tank? Or trying to make one?
 

fireman 757

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

I never have been a fan of gasket in a tube. This is cork for a reason. See if you can find a replacement.
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Here is a HUGE "Thank You" to all of you who are posting on this BB. I just pulled my lower unit, after getting advice from previous posts on why and how to do it. There was water in my gear oil when I went to drain it. <br />I have a manual (advice from here was to get one) and using that and the previous posts, I was not only able to get it off, it was easy! :eek: <br />The impellar will be replaced, all the gaskets, and all the seals. <br /><br />COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN THIS FAR WITHOUT THE HELP OF ALL YOU KIND, KNOWLEDGABLE SOULS. :D :D :D :D :D <br /><br />As we say in the Navy, Bravo Zulu.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Jason
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Here's the update on the boat - <br />rear deck sanded down to bare aluminum, ready for new carpet<br />new spark plugs<br />gas tank cleaned<br />fuel filter cleaned<br />carb looks brand new on the interior(gonna spray with carb. cleaner anyway, though)<br />Of course, the on-going issue with the lower unit being worked on<br />New impellar<br />new impellar housing<br />oil changed<br />Wasp nest in the exhaust gone :eek: <br /><br />Now ready to fix the prop seal and reinstall the lower unit (I think). Please let me know if there is anything else I should look at on the lower unit before I put the beast back on! <br />Thanks, AGAIN.<br /><br />Jason
 

fireman 757

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Sounds like you have it. Just don't forget to put the plug in. I'm also glad you looked at previous posts that were already typed. Saves everyone a lot of keystrokes.
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

The Latest - <br /><br />I just got the lower unit attached back on. WHEW ! ! ! ! <br /><br />That is a JOB. Getting that little bitty hole lined up on the linkage . . . but I had a secret weapon. <br />My 7 month pregnant wife was right there, telling me which direction to turn the shift shaft. She even moved the linkage with the screwdriver - not much, but enough! She sure was a helpin! <br /><br />I'm tellin' you, what a woman! :D :D :D <br /><br />So, ready to tackle the carbs now . . . should be easy after that last fiasco! :p <br /><br />The parts guys said I could pull the carbs apart and put them back together without a new carb kit, as long as everything is in good shape. "The gaskets are all rubber, he says. Just be careful!" <br />He's been right on so far, any differing opinions? They are welcome . . . <br /><br />Again, Thanks A Million, all you who have posted on this board. You have made the impossible possible.<br /><br />Jason
 

USS Neversail

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

:eek: :eek: ;) ;) :) :) :cool: :cool: <br /><br />SHE LIVES ! ! ! ! ! ! ! <br /><br />The motor ran tonight ! <br /><br />Purred like a kitten.<br /><br />Just wanted to say a giant "THANK YOU" to everyone who has helped me get this far. If I didn't have you guys as a resource, this boat would never have made it to the water. <br /><br />There are still a few bugs to work out, but she now cranks within one second of turning the key, purrs like a kitten, and spits water everywhere. Ain't that great?!?!!?<br /><br />Thanks, everyone. <br />There will be more posts from me on other things, but the majors are solved (for now). <br /><br />Talk with ya'll soon.<br /><br />Jason
 

Bob_VT

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Re: 83 Evinrude 50hp - left out in weather - 4 yrs

Jason, You had better get that thing launched because in 2 months your spare time will be dedicated to helping the wife with the new baby!<br /><br />Best of luck, glad to hear it is running.<br /><br />Bob
 
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