Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

I would love to hear some advice from the experts out there. I have an opportunity to buy a 1972 100 HP Evinrude w/hydro-electric drive. I have done some research on here and know this was a limited year production model. Would you avoid this model all together due to possible parts shortage, shift problems etc? Or would you buy the motor under either of the following options:
A) You test drive the motor on the water and everything functions as it should and motor runs good with no problems.You can get the motor at a very good price.
B) You are buying the motor on a stand off the boat and can only do a visual inspection with a quick compression check only. If the motor looks good visually and compression checks ok, would you buy the motor at an even lower price than above?
And a final question: How long would it be safe to run the same motor out of water, no water or fuel hook-ups while doing a compression check?
Thanks in advance for any replies and I'm looking forward to hearing from anyone who has any thoughts on this.

 

[F_R]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

I would love to hear some advice from the experts out there. I have an opportunity to buy a 1972 100 HP Evinrude w/hydro-electric drive. I have done some research on here and know this was a limited year production model. Would you avoid this model all together due to possible parts shortage, shift problems etc? Or would you buy the motor under either of the following options:
A) You test drive the motor on the water and everything functions as it should and motor runs good with no problems.You can get the motor at a very good price.
B) You are buying the motor on a stand off the boat and can only do a visual inspection with a quick compression check only. If the motor looks good visually and compression checks ok, would you buy the motor at an even lower price than above?
And a final question: How long would it be safe to run the same motor out of water, no water or fuel hook-ups while doing a compression check?
Thanks in advance for any replies and I'm looking forward to hearing from anyone who has any thoughts on this.

You will find a lot of people saying to stay away from the Hydro-Electric shift, period. However, personally I feel that is unjustified. There is nothing wrong with the system. But if it is neglected, abused, and otherwise messed up it can be a problem. So can the mechanical ones. The shift switch in the control is fairly troublesome, and is very expensive--if you can find one. I am not too fond of the ignition system. It was state of the art in 1972, but this is now. They've come a long way, baby.

I would much rather buy (A) than (B). (B) would have to be pretty cheap to get my money. Or have a warranty. Are you qualified to maintain complex systems? Lots of shops won't work on old motors.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

imho, don't. they were good motors, but the solenoids, wiring, shift switch are expensive and hard to find. the power pack is very sensitive, and $400 to replace.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

I probably wouldn't pay more than $4-500 for it tops just cuz of the potential parts issues. I wouldn't actually RUN it at all without water hooked up. You can certainly turn it over numerous times to do your compression check.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

CORRECTION to my last question above. I meant CRANK the motor not run the motor. Sorry bout that. Also I doubt if I could even try the motor as in example A. It will most likely be as in example B. For $200, if that influences any opinions. That includes correct control box and wiring. I like the price but I'm just not sure if the $200 might be better spent on another motor, with at least several hundred dollars added of course Then again if the motor didn't work out I could probably recoup most if not all of my money parting it out if I was willing to hold it long enough. Right?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

For $200 I would ABSOLUTELY buy it and run it. There's more than $200 worth of parts there for you to sell. Heck, as we've mentioned, some of them are highly sought after.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

I've read that the motor has to be running to shift (makes sense because of the electrical and hydraulics involved). Is there anything at all I can check as far as the shifting mechanisms or parts in the control box without running it ? That is my biggest concern with this motor if everything else looks good.

 

[F_R]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

I've read that the motor has to be running to shift (makes sense because of the electrical and hydraulics involved). Is there anything at all I can check as far as the shifting mechanisms or parts in the control box without running it ? That is my biggest concern with this motor if everything else looks good.

Not without at least having the electrical hooked up. It should be in forward gear when standing still and immediatly shift to neutral when cranking. It doesn't have to actually start. It is designed to shift to neutral with one revolution of the crankshaft. It should also shift to reverse at cranking speed, however you can't do that because of the start-in-neutral-only feature.

In any case, a gear oil check is almost mandatory. Remove the lower drain plug just enough to see what comes out. If water---retreat.

I don't know who you are buying this thing from, but I wouldn't let you be messing with cranking, etc, without a proper hookup. Great way to blow the electronics.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

The motor is being sold by a private owner. We have only had e-mail correspndence so far, but I am starting to believe he knows even less about this motor than I do (possibly a lot less). I'm glad you pointed out the possible damage of cranking over when not hooked up correctly. Now I'm wondering what could have happened with him and any other would-be-buyers doing it. I am going to look at it tomorrow and my doubt about buying it is growing. If I am able to hook it up to a battery to crank over is there any other connections that need to be made? I know the motor is off the boat. I'm hoping he'll have muffs or we can put it in water but I doubt it. Thanks again.

 

[F_R]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

The motor is being sold by a private owner. We have only had e-mail correspndence so far, but I am starting to believe he knows even less about this motor than I do (possibly a lot less). I'm glad you pointed out the possible damage of cranking over when not hooked up correctly. Now I'm wondering what could have happened with him and any other would-be-buyers doing it. I am going to look at it tomorrow and my doubt about buying it is growing. If I am able to hook it up to a battery to crank over is there any other connections that need to be made? I know the motor is off the boat. I'm hoping he'll have muffs or we can put it in water but I doubt it. Thanks again.

The remote control is part of the motor and should come with it. If it doesn't come with it, you aren't getting the whole motor. That might account for the cheap price. You get what you pay for. I might add that the shift switch is in the control and costs about $400 for a new one if you can find one. That is why people are telling you to buy it for $200 even if it doesn't run.

All of the electrical goodies are part of the remote control. Battery cables, main forward cable with plug-in etc. The igniton switch, shift switch, overheat horn, and other stuff are in the control. That is what you need to hook up to the battery and motor. It is a simple enough hookup to do, but you need it.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

Some excellent comments. I owned that very engine and it ran perfectly for a number of years. I liked the electronic shifting and had no problem with the ignition. That said, it was many years ago and things have changed. I would not be as concerned about the powerhead, but with the peripheral parts on that model, like the electronic lower, the ignition system, the power trim unit and the shift switch in the control box. If you ever have a problem, you will find some of parts are NLA for this model. It is very hard to find a shop today that will still work on these, esp the lower units. If you can negotiate a price you are happy with, you may find you can get an engine which will provide you with a commensurate $ amount of boating fun. The good (serviceable) resaleable parts on the engine may justfy the purchase alone.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

Thanks to all who replied. It's always nice to hear others experiences and opinions. I'm going to inspect the motor soon. From the pictures he's sent me it appears he has all controls, cables, plugs etc. The only thing I haven't seen is a key. I think I'm just going to have to go with my gut instinct on this one. Thanks again gentlemen.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

One more question: I went to inspect the motor today. All I could do was a visual inspection today. I've read that the motor defaults to forward. So if the motor was on a stand with no-hookups, no battery...nothing...and I tried to turn the prop with light hand pressure, what would happen? I assumed the prop would not turn much either way because it would be in gear. On this motor the prop gave me resistance trying to turn one way, but spun freely going the other way. This did not seem right to me. Could this be the correct operation ?

 

[F_R]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

One more question: I went to inspect the motor today. All I could do was a visual inspection today. I've read that the motor defaults to forward. So if the motor was on a stand with no-hookups, no battery...nothing...and I tried to turn the prop with light hand pressure, what would happen? I assumed the prop would not turn much either way because it would be in gear. On this motor the prop gave me resistance trying to turn one way, but spun freely going the other way. This did not seem right to me. Could this be the correct operation ?

Some will spin freely in one direction (makes clicking noises while it does). Others will turn back and forth about a quarter turn. I believe yours is the former.

It should NOT turn back the other way---unless you are turning the whole motor over backwards. Are you?

EDIT: However, if the propeller hub is totally shot, you would be able to turn it backwards without turning the motor over. But it would have to be really, really shot. That would just mean it needs a new propeller.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

Turning the prop one way, the prop turned a fraction of an inch then "caught" as if it was in gear. Didn't try to force it and it seemed the prop was in gear and acting correctly. Turning the other way the prop spun with very little effort. One finger could spin it. I was definetly not turning the motor over. I didn't hear any clicking but I can't say it wasn't making a clicking noise. I'm going back to inspect it again. So I guess your saying this could be correct for this motor. By the way he did have what appeared to be the correct remote control box. Hoping to hook it up and crank her over next time. Thanks again for your fast and obviously well-educated and experienced responses. I really appreciate them.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

I believe the factory planned a default to aid during emergencies. The default is that when the lower unit soleniod fails, it fails in forward. If the engine is running-you will be able to get home. Likely when the engine is off, the gearset is in forward. As soon as the solenoid is energized, (key is on) and the control box is in neutral, the lower unit should revert to neutral.

 

[F_R]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

I believe the factory planned a default to aid during emergencies. The default is that when the lower unit soleniod fails, it fails in forward. If the engine is running-you will be able to get home. Likely when the engine is off, the gearset is in forward. As soon as the solenoid is energized, (key is on) and the control box is in neutral, the lower unit should revert to neutral.

Not completely so. Merely turning the key on does not shift it to neutral. It has to be running (or at least cranking) to make it shift. Reason: Electricity does NOT shift it. It is shifted by hydraulic oil pressure (the "Hydro" in "Hydro Electric") The oil pressure comes from an oil pump in the lower unit, and the oil pump has to be rotating in order to pump anything.

The solenoids are only a small part of the complete system and most misunderstood.

However, the statement about being fail-safe is true. It is designed to go into forward so you can get home if something goes haywire.

wishingiwuz, it sounds like yours is normal. Turns one way due to the over-running clutch dog setup.

 

[javsam]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

Sounds like you found a great deal,I would jump on that if I needed a motor.They were good motors,and as already stated the electronics are very sensitive.I have a 1972 125 HP model that has been very good. As already stated the electronics are very sensitive,so do not connect battery cables with ignition on.Never try jump starting with another battery.Always have the sparkplugs properly grounded when cranking engine over.And always use type C OIL in the lower unit,never gear lube.It is an Electro/Hydraulic system and needs a light oil to work in the system.

 

[Wishiniwuzfishin]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

Another question: What is the small toggle switch underneath the key switch for? I've seen it on other controls on pictures I've found on the net so I am pretty sure it is a factory part and not the toggle switch "fix" that I've read about on here. Thanks once again. I keep waiting for a bill from you guys to show up in my e-mail. I owe you guys more for your time than I'm paying for the motor !!!!

 

[javsam]

Re: Buying advice needed 1972 Evin. 100HP

That is for choke .You hold switch up if additional choke is needed while turning over motor.