Evinrude 6hp runs in bucket, dies on water.

[Jackinpc]

Hi guys,

I have a very frustrating problem. I bought an evinrude 6hp 1967 and it ran great in the bucket. It is a little hard to start however. When I took it on the water it only ran good for about 15 mins. then seemed to lose power. I ran it for 10 more minutes at wide open throttle (which was now slower than idle speed) and then turned it off. It would not start again.

This happens every time i try to use it. I cleaned the carbs (stripped down), changed the gear oil, changed the points, coils are good, changed the fuel pump, changed the plugs. There is spark and fuel and the water flows great when running. I do not have a compression tester.

The only thing I notice is that the lower spark plug has a milky white substance on it after it has been running.

This is very frustrating because every time I think i've fixed it, because it runs in the bucket, and then I get stranded down some back woods canal having to paddle my jon boat like a canoe 3 miles back to my truck.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Jack

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Evinrude 6hp runs in bucket, dies on water.

My best guess from your description is a blown head gasket. Compression test would tell all. Cheap thing to buy and have forever. You could also try borrowing one though. You will run better in the bucket because you are not under load. In the water you are pushing the weight of your boat and gear against the resistance of the water.
Can you post a photo of the plugs ??

 

[F_R]

Re: Evinrude 6hp runs in bucket, dies on water.

Yep, milky white goo on the plug indicates water in the cylinder. Begin with changing the head gasket and hope that is what it was.

A compression test may or may not say for sure. But water can cause extreme wear damage which will show up on the compression test. Extreme wear will also cause your running in a bucket but not in the lake problem. If you have that extreme wear, you may as well give it up.