91 Evinrude 150 problem

[stratos92]

I have a question...first boat. It has a 91 evinrude 150 on it. I am very confused about the boat I recently bought. I had the motor checked out by a mechanic before purchasing from the owner and was told the motor was in great shape and ran good (compression varied 80-85 psi) which they said was normal for this motor. I took the boat out a few times and it ran good but was bogging down at wide open throttle. I was told could be timing so I took it to the local shop (different than the first) to have it checked. They said the compression was 90-95 and that was too low should be about 110 (starting frustration now) but they adjusted the timing and took it to the water to do a cylinder drop test. They called me tonight and said that when they did the test with the cover off the motor was making a really loud rattling sound and they would have to remove the head to see what is wrong but that I am looking at a potential rebuild. I am so confused and frustrated right now I don't know what to do. One mechanic tells me this motor is great while another tells me it could be shot....ADVICE? Please, I don't know what to do!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Evinrude made two different 150's in 1991. They made the 90 degree crossflow model and a 60 degree looper model. These are dramatically different powerheads. What is the model number from the engine you have? The crossflows run lower compression, usually in the 90+ range for that year. The looper could run higher compression, depending on what heads are on it. (The GL models have high compression heads.) It's hard to tell what a "rattling noise" is, but unusual noises in the lower unit can be mistaken for powerhead noises. Have you called the seller or the mechanic that checked the engine? Bogging at top end can be a fuel delivery issue: weak fuel pump, fuel restriction, bad anti-siphon valve, bad fuel hose, etc.

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Thank you for the reply. The model number on the motor is VE150GLEIS. The mechanic is going to remove the head and see if they see any problems today. Is that something I should have them do?

 

[scanman]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

If it were mine, I wouldn't let em touch it yet. You're not even sure you have a "head" problem & it can get really expensive!

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

That is the problem I am having. The mechanic is telling me they have to pull it off to see if I have a problem there. They said it will only take an hour to check it out, can it hurt anything to have them look at it or could that cause more problems. I just feel like having the timing adjusted is spiraling out of control.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

You've got a 60 degree looper engine. Many marine techs today use an electronic camera on a wire to peer inside the spark plug hole. They must not have one of these. Shouldn't be a big deal to pull the heads. That engine uses orings instead of a single head gasket.

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Thank you. I guess I will let them pull the head and see what they find out. Hopefully it does not require a major overhaul. If it is the high compression model, is 90 on one bank and 95 on the other bank reason for concern?

Also, if I am told it needs a rebuild...If I was operating it before at 4000 rpms or less and had not noticed any problems, is there an issue with continuing to use it until I can afford a rebuild? I really wish I knew more about this. You guys on this forum have been an awesome resource. THANK YOU!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Not sure that your current compression is not normal for that model. I know the later GL models had higher compression up around 120 or better-yours is an early model and all 150's that year used the same heads, so it is probably ok. The compression on each cylinder should be within 10% of the others. The way the factory line bores these blocks can contribute to the compression on one head being a slightly different from the other head-a normal manufacturing variation. Generally, these V6 loopers have an excellent track record of reliability. You need to see what the mechanic finds before you decide to run it.

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Thank you. When I took it in and they ran the compression test they told me it was way too low and that it is probably what is causing the engine to make the noise. I will let them pull the head and see what they find. I will post the results as soon as I hear back from them. I really appreciate the help and advice. I look forward to your suggestions when I post the results. Thanks again.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Not for nothing but these motors sound like rattle traps with the cowl off and the airbox removed.

90- 95 compression is more realistic for that motor the lower numbers from #1 could be because it hadnt ran in a while or meter/test differences. The important part is it's within 10% of each other. Your OK!

Why did you leave mechanic #1?

Bogging at high speeds sounds like the carbs need to be re-built. If you dont know or the seller cant tell you when they were last rebuilt it's now time. Fouled carbs will kill a motor as the carbs are also the "lubrication injectors" since the oil is in the fuel.

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Well...I just got back from the mechanics and they did indeed find the source of the "rattle". Turns out that I need a rebuild. They showed me where the cylinders are scored and have some rust, but the "best" part is that the bottom left piston is actually broken in 2 pieces...the true source of the noise and cause for the lack of power. I feel like I was completely robbed on this thing.

I took it to the first mechanic because I bought the boat out of town and wanted to have it checked out before I paid for it since I am a new boater. I was assured that the motor was in great shape with good compression...I guess he was wrong. Now I have to figure out where I am going to come up with money for a rebuild or a replacement motor. So far, boating is not alot of fun. I have only had it in the water 3 times. Damn the luck!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

An unfortunate turn of events. Did you contact the seller about the problem?

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

I have not contacted him yet. I am not sure what it will accomplish, it's not like he will help pay for the rebuild. I am very frustrated right now and not sure whether I should pay for the rebuild or look for a different motor or what. The mechanic said he is not even sure if they can use the existing powerhead for the rebuild. CRAP!

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Picked up the boat yesterday and I was told that a rebuild would be about $3300 or they have a late 80s mercury 150 with controls for about $1500 that they are checking out now. I do not have any specifics on the other motor (Mercury 150) yet. They just took it in on trade. Any advice on what to do from here would be greatly appreciated.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

You might compare the value of a new 150 is vs. an overhaul. Does the Evinrude overhaul include overbore on all 6 cyls and 6 new pistons? Include a new OMS fuel pump, impeller and thermostats? Carb overhauls? You need to know that the original failure problem is addressed during the overhaul. I'd want to know what rebuild warranty came with the Evinrude-30 days, 60 days, etc. What condition is the Merc in-you need to know you are not getting into another problem engine.

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

I will have to ask all of those questions. The 3300 was for what he called a rebuilt powerhead but didn't say exactly what that included. The mercury is being looked at right now so I am not sure of the exact condition yet...hopefully soon. I really appreciate all the advice from this site.

 

[scanman]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

I will have to ask all of those questions. The 3300 was for what he called a rebuilt powerhead but didn't say exactly what that included. The mercury is being looked at right now so I am not sure of the exact condition yet...hopefully soon. I really appreciate all the advice from this site.

Just don't hurry this decision. You have control now, so make sure you're happy. I'd definately look into new ones before you make up your mind.

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Yeah, I don't have the money to rush into anything right now thats for sure. So I still have some time. I am sure that I cannot afford a new one, but potentially a newer one. How do I know what sizes of motors (115, 125, 150 etc) I should look at if I go that route. I know that the max recommended for this boat is 150hp, but I am not sure if a smaller motor in good shape is another option I should pursue. I am just not sure if putting $3000 into a 91 motor is a good idea, but again I guess due to lack of funds...time is on my side.

 

[stratos92]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

Took some of your advice and priced some new motors...WOW! I most definitely cannot afford to put a $10000 motor on a 20 year old boat. I had no idea what a new one cost...WOW.

I may have gotten some "good" news today though. I was talking to a co-worker and he said he told his father what happened with my motor. His dad rebuilds boat motors and said he would rebuild my powerhead for the cost of parts. He thought it would cost somewhere between $800 and $1000. The only thing I have to do is the get the powerhead to him. I have never removed one, but for a $2000 savings I can sure learn how. I hope everything pans out and he can do it for me. I think if it works out and I can save that kind of money it only makes sense to go that route. Any thoughts?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 91 Evinrude 150 problem

A great solution to your problem!