A few questions for you all.

[fortyfreak9]

I own a 1989 Evinrude 8 HP. I have two question, does the lower unit oil need to be changed yearly or is it based on the amount of hours its been used since the last change? Second, occasionally to start the motor, I have to pull off the 'air box' and cover the carb with my hand to limit the amount of air being sucked into the carb, but when it starts its runs like a champ, what could be casuing this? Gas to air mixture to rich/lean?

 

[onamisn]

Re: A few questions for you all.

I change my gear oil once a year, sometimes twice depending on how much i use it. I f i had to guess i would say that your choke is not working properly and that is the reason u have to choke it with ur hand.

 

[iwombat]

Re: A few questions for you all.

That motor has a primer. What is your cold start procedure?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: A few questions for you all.

yes, it has a primer. what is your procedure?? sound like human error. change your gear oil every fall before the first freeze. this is insurance that your lower has not taken on water. if it has water in it and it freezes, it will crack the lower unit.

 

[fortyfreak9]

Re: A few questions for you all.

Hmm, cold start procedure, load it full of fuel and give her a pull?

 

[iwombat]

Re: A few questions for you all.

Well, that explains it somewhat.

For cold starting that one, cycle through a pull-push of the primer knob twice. That will put two squirts of fuel in the intake.

Then, pull the knob out about 1/2 to 3/4 to enrichen the fuel mixture.

Start.

 

[jtexas]

Re: A few questions for you all.

Lower unit oil frequency is a function of hours of operation. But myself, I don't keep track of run time, not to mention which, I don't know if any water has got in there, so I change it every fall. Hate to see a little bit of ice crack it open. Plus which, if the gearcase is making metal, better to know sooner than later.

Choke plates work so much better...I wonder why they all abandoned 'em? Some sort of federal regulation I bet.