Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

[n1zw_Robin]

hello all, been a while since my last visit. I recently picked up a 1962 Starcraft with matching Evineude 40hp Lark 4. the baot itself is in wonderful shape the motor is another story. model number 35530 M I take a guess the M is for the manual pull start it has? I am looking for reliability of this outboard would it be worth getting repaired? So far it won't start and nothing happens when the key is turned, even when I use the pull start nothing. Since I am not looking for speed on the water but, rather dependability of the motor. Are these motors reliable motors when running and maintained well. Thanks all , robin

 

[DJ]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

That engine is reliable as any with proper maintenance. That is if the engine is healthy.

First off, do a compression test. If the readings are close to 100 psi and are close, the engine is probably worth saving.

Let us know.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

That's a '62 Lark. The 40hp engines were very reliable and extremely popular. They had the pull start there just in case your battery died since a generator was optional on some models.

If it's electric shift, that could be an issue. That's easy to identify - if there's a gear shift lever on the starboard side of the outboard, then you've got the more desirable mechanical shift.

But finding someone to work on your 45 year old engine may be a problem. If you're at all handy yourself, they're very easy to wrench.

By all means check out compression to see if you've got a viable engine. While you have the spark plugs out, check for spark by laying them against the engine and cranking. If you get nothing, disconnect the two small black wires near where they leave the outboard and check again.

Parts are very cheap. You can replace the entire ignition system for under $100 for example.

 

[F_R]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

You might as well assume the coils are bad. They always are unless they have already been replaced. About $25 each, depending on where you get them. They have them right here at iboats Marine Store.

 

[n1zw_Robin]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

Hello gents, thanks for the nice replies I did get the motor running here. I took it to a local guy that has helped me before. Some of the things mention in the replies have been addressed by him, Bill outboard service he is in Rehoboth MA. New wires new plugs and coils i believe were done already. Even though the motor is old as me hi hi. :% I really would like to keep it. There are a few questions I would like some help with about this engine and or others that do not come with a generator or charging system for a battery.

Is it possible to install a charging system with a motor this old and how would you go about doing it. The boat it came with is also a 1962 Starcraft runabout. it is very solid for the year and in need of very minor repair. New seats, new winshield (done already) and a new steering setup would be ideal.

there are a few more things the motor could use before it is 100% reliable for any real distance use but , for now it runs and does not over heat or bog down while running. Water pump is good also. It may be in need of gasket set because I don't know when it last ran before I got it, so I think it would be good idea to run thru the entire motor and redo what needs to be done. It would be the cheapest way out also i guess.

Let me also add for anyone around the MA , RI area Bill is very reasonable and a very nice person. I am disabled and on limited funds and He has helped me twice with outstanding results on two outbaords this year. I have also another outboard 1972 Evinrude 55hp that I may have him do for me for future trade in for something smaller for the boat. Anyway thanks again gents I will keep you posted on the progress of the Lark motor.

 

[n1zw_Robin]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

Oh I forgot too mention it is the manual shift on the side.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

There was an optional generator available for that engine, though most would agree I think that it's really not worth the effort. It doesn't put out any current until about 2000 RPM, and then only ramps up to 10 amps at full throttle. Money's normally better spent on a better charger & bigger batteries, but there are specific situations where the generator setup is preferred. Such as extended trips in the wilderness.

Like I said before, the 40hp was an exceptionally reliable outboard. You can trace it's history back to the early 50s, and the 40hp itself saw service up into the late 80s as a commercial outboard.

But any reliability is based on service. You mention the cooling system. The water pump needs to be serviced ever couple seasons as a minimum. If the history's unknown, you would be wise to at least service that and the thermostat. Overheating will destroy the engine in a heartbeat. A spare prop and the tools to change it is also a practical precaution.

If you need absolute reliability, you need a second engine with a seperate fuel supply. There's no getting around that since there's many ways to damage an engine, from picking up a plastic bag (burns out the water pump) to fuel contamination.

 

[F_R]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

Paul's comments are excellent and I agree 100%. Since the battery is only used for starting, it will last a long time till it needs recharging. And there is the backup recoil starter if you get stuck. Of course, if you run a bunch of other electrical accessories that is a different story. Use a good marine battery to withstand the repeated discharging.

 

[n1zw_Robin]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

Thank ypu gents for the great asvice on the history, and suggestions for all the mentioned above. I will be looking into a second motor and for sure more efficient batteries.
I do have a little 6hp I keep under the bow for emergency use and I keep two fuel tanks with me also. Beside other things like a cell phone, flashlight, some dried foods and water to drink.

For electonics I don't plan on running more than what would be used for a better day of fishing like a fish finder and GPS in one. Compas, lights for running at night. On the second motor I do at this time already have a 1972 55hp Evinrude that has electronic ignition and electronic shift controls. It does run from what I was told from previous owner. Maybe I can use that if it comes down to needing it in a hurry.

There comes the other problem of it being electricly shifted. The controls for it were already setup differently from what Evinrude setup with the three buttons , forward, neutral, and reverse. The previous owner before me set it up with toggle switches so I don't know if it works. Besides that I was informed that particular motor or setup was trouble. I may be wrong as I don't know so I will leave that up to the people that know more than myself.

If it would help I can post or host pictures for those who would like to see the 55hp and they can give me their thoughts or suggestions on it please. As far as the battery setup would it be a good idea to have a battery for starting the outboard and another for running the electronics? I really appreciate all the great advice here it is tough for a guy such as myself. I am disabled and on tight income. I can get the parts over the winter here and at least for now have the Lark setup for the next season. Depending on what responces I get on the 55hp will determine whether or not I invest on it also. Thank you for any and all help.

 

[n1zw_Robin]

Re: Evinrude 1962 40hp lark4

sorry abot the spelling there I can't seem to find and edit tab or button.

anyway I hope this link works for some pictures I have of the Evinrude 55hp 1972

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/n1zw