Advice on a 4HP Evinrude with a slant prob

[cruisercan]

Got a lead on a 4HP Evinrude within my budget. Owner bought it and did not like that it doesn't have a neutral so he is letting it go.
He says he got it started after changing the spark plug.

I intend to use it on my inflatable boat (similar to an Intex Mariner 4) and I got a couple of questions for you folks:
1- I noticed it has a slant prop (see photo). What's the idea behind it (weeds, perhaps?) and is that considered a plus or a minus.
2- Any specific things to look for before buying it (without gutting the entire motor, obviously)? and in case I am unable to start it, are there any telltale signs that I should walk away?

Thanks and Regards

 

[flyingscott]

That is a weedless lower unit been around since the 1920s or 30s

 

[racerone]

Likely needs 2 new coils./ ignition tune up.-----Easy fix.

 

[cruisercan]

Thanks guys.
Please excuse my obvious ignorance about outboard motors. I never owned one before.
Any idea on the model year, just judging by the looks of it?

 

[F_R]

1980-ish. It has the model/serial number tag on the stern bracket. So what does it say?

 

[Crosbyman]

based on the slanted engine cover I' would say 1996 and up

​ just look att he ID plate and post the mdl number here I would think such a "modern" engine,s coil(s) are OK

​ the rest looks like a good old 4hp hardware going back to the late 60,s early.70s gearcease wise anyway.


​should be an excellent motor but do try to do a compression test on it 80 pounds and up should be good but opinions differ

​the carb lo looks a bit more complex than the older ones on the 70'S engines but as astarting point... just take it off and take it apart to blow out the orifices with carb cleaner and air pressure (use a can of keyboard pressured air from dollar stores to finish the job if you have no air compressor )

​

 

[jimmbo]

The cowl is a 79

 

[ezmobee]

I used one just like it as a kid. It's approx a 1980. You COULD NOT KILL that thing. Great motor and real light.

 

[Crosbyman]

I poked around that parts list place .....must have skipped over the late 70s​
now the site is down.... again

well if late 70s it may have magneto ignition ???? cant tell now with the site dow.


​ waiting for model number from cruisercan...
greatengines in any event .... given TLC .

funny how cowl designs reappeared around 1993

 

[hardwater fisherman]

I have a 1977 model with mag flash ignition. I believe that was the first year with CDI.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

I agree that the cowl looks like a 79 model. Also it appears that was the first year that the throttle was the sliding lever on the front of the motor.

 

[cruisercan]

waiting for model number from cruisercan...

Thanks for all the replies.
I did not see the motor yet, (tomorrow) so I don't know what the tag says. Once I get it (hopefully!), I will report back.
Any advice on what to inspect before purchase?

 

[Crosbyman]

moving pistons..:tea: sparks...:target: . ..compression if you can :faint2:...
but if bad and it is just a blown head gasket it is an easy fix and a good argument to negotiate the price down :fencing:

starting the engine in a barrel is always a warm feeling

 

[Bonaventure]

See if you can get the owner to run it for you. If it starts easily, leave it be. Just make sure that you use fresh fuel. Some Hi octane fuels do not have ethanol in them so they will be better, since the motor is pre ethanol. A compression test before you buy is a good idea, both cylinders should read close to the same.

 

[cruisercan]

Well, I picked it up today. It looks alright I guess. The seller did not have the setup to run it, but it was running last season (according to him). The price was very reasonable I couldn't pass it up. Here's some photos. It is a 1979 as you can see

I have a few questions now and hoping you guys could help:
1- What type of 2-cycle oil you recommend I use? (I am in Canada so please suggest brands which I can find locally) I also have a 1.2hp Tanaka (GameFisher), which is air-cooled. I was hoping to find one type of 2-cycle oil which can work for both motor so I don't have to carry two different oils.
2- I understand 90W outboard oil should be used in the gearbox, but I am wondering if there is specific rating (namely GL4 or GL5). I know from my classic car experience that the new GL5 is not compatible with certain types of metals (copper, bronze and brass). Does it matter with this particular gearbox? or any 90W outboard oil will work?
3- As you notice from the photos, the choke and mixture knobs are broken and substituted with some screws. Any idea where to find replacements or reproduction ones?
4- Do the props in these motors have 2 or 3 blades? This one has 2-blades, just wondering if it is original or not.
5- Is the part circled in the last photo broken? Just doesn't look symmetric to me.
6- I already have the service manual, but I would like to have the owner's manual too. Any idea where to find it online for download?

After I do a complete service for it (change gear oil, fresh fuel, new plugs, etc) I will attempt to start it and report back. Maybe I'll do a compression test prior to that.
Thanks in advance..

 

[hardwater fisherman]

The air cooled motor uses the same oil as small 2 stroke motors. Such as chainsaws and weed eaters. The Evinrude needs tcw3 oil. If you are in Canada then Canadian tire sells the oil you need. Also they carry outboard gear oil as well. The two bladed prop was standard for that motor.

 

[Crosbyman]

my recent quest for knobs ended with me staying away from 30--70$ knobs and putting a $2 radio volume knob on the low speed shaft of my 9.5hp

choke knobs on a sportwin can hit 70$ for plastic ....totally crazy

​try free want adds on the oamci site ....or a fat Marret if it fits on the shafts

 

[tomhath]

"5- Is the part circled in the last photo broken? Just doesn't look symmetric to me."

It kind of looks like an extra part is bolted on to one side to direct water coming off the prop. That's where the exhaust comes out so it isn't critical.

 

[racerone]

Needs a stainless cotter pin for the prop I believe.

 

[Bonaventure]

That is the original propeller.