Evinrude ID Help & Maint. Questions

[khansen]

I purchased what I was told is a 1978 15HP Evinrude outboard, just want to make sure it is what I was told it is. The numbers I was told to retrieve from the silver freeze plug are:
J15RCSD and E5239324

Also, what is the fuel/oil mixture ratio?
What kind/weight oil goes in the lower end?
Are there any problems with these engines that I should look for?

Thanks guys, as soon as I know for sure what year & HP the motor is I can order the manuals and stop bothering you guys.

Keith

 

[Rick.]

Re: Evinrude ID Help & Maint. Questions

It's a 15hp Johnson rope start. Have a look here for all you will ever need to know about it. Probably not all but darn near. gas/oil mix is 50:1 and just get leg oil at Wmart. The link will tell you the year as well. Sounds like it might be newer than 78. Can't tell you of anything to specifically watch out for, they are great motors in general. Have a look at the top of this forum at the Top Secret File and look at the various articles like awakening a sleeping outboard etc. A new impeller is a good idea if you don't know when it was changed last. Best of luck. Rick.
http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/OMC/OMC info.htm

 

[khansen]

Re: Evinrude ID Help & Maint. Questions

Thanks for the help. If I'm decoding the numbers right it's a 1980. Right?

What is leg oil?

Someone told me to use automotive differential fluid (gear lube) in the lower unit. If this can be done I need to know what weight to use.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude ID Help & Maint. Questions

Don't mess with automotive oil. Outboard gearcase oil (SAE 90) is labeled for outboards.

 

[Nippissinger]

Re: Evinrude ID Help & Maint. Questions

J15RCSD

Are you sure it's not a J15RSCD?

That would make it an 84 Johnson 15hp Rope Start Commercial.

And like JB says, DON'T MESS WITH LOWER END GEAR OIL...ONLY OMC GEAR OIL..... Automotive oil has too many additives and breaks down too fast causing overheat which will fry those lower end bearings...

Stick with the factory stuff, you'll feel better knowing your protected..

Will

 

[khansen]

Re: Evinrude ID Help & Maint. Questions

Thanks for the help guys. I double checked the numbers on the freeze plug and I typed them in right the first time J15RCSD. Well I'm off to buy the oil for the lower end and see if this thing will start for me.

Keith