expected lifespan of components

[thellcon]

I have a 1975 Evinrude 85hp v-4 it was stored unused, indoors for over 20 years before I started using it 3 years ago. It runs well but my question is should I expect the coils and powerpack to naturally start to weaken or fail due to age and replace them as a matter of pre-emptive maintenance? The only problem I've had with the motor is I had 1 plug foul out last year but it could have been due to weeds on the lower unit. The compresion is 130 on all four cylinders.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: expected lifespan of components

weeds will not foul a plug. they have an indefinite life. the main thing is not to get the battery cables crossed and do not disconnect or connect with the key in the on position. i hope you have changed the impeller.

 

[iwombat]

Re: expected lifespan of components

In my experience electrical components fail when they feel like it. You might be able to run those coils for the next decade or more without problems. You could just as easily replace them all with new stuff and have something fail in a year.

If it's not on the normal service schedule, like say a water pump, leave it be.

 

[lindy46]

Re: expected lifespan of components

I picked up a 1960 3hp Evinrude with original coils which were cracked and looked terrible - it still ran fine! I did go ahead and replace them while I had the flywheel off.

 

[Solittle]

Re: expected lifespan of components

Parts on motors are dumb. They just don't know how old they are. If it still works O.K. leave it alone.

 

[mthieme]

Re: expected lifespan of components

I would have been more worried about all the rubber pieces - fuel lines, pump, carb, impeller, seals, etc.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: expected lifespan of components

From my experience, I TOTALLY agree with iwombat on the electrical stuff. You never know on electricals.
Later,
JBJ