First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

noskatehate

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Hey everyone, I am new to this forum and it seems like a great place filled with nice people that know a lot about what they do. With that being said, here is my dilemma. About a week ago, I bought my first boat. It is a 1975 15' Starcraft with a 1975 40HP Evinrude 2 stroke model number 40554C. She sat in storage for about 12 years, but the people who had her before me would turn her over every year and spray something in the cylinder(I don't remember what he said, I just know it was helpful haha). She starts up great, usually on the first try. The problem I have is that I cannot get her to pee. I took off the lower unit 2 days ago to check the impeller, which isn't the greatest, but it's not in desperate need (I'll replace it next season when I have money). I have read throughout this forum that the problems could be as follows; clogged water tube, bad impeller, thermostat stuck closed, engine not in gear. Whenever I run her, I never let her run for more than 15 seconds because I don't want to ruin my motor. I was wondering what damage could come from running her for about a minute to let the block warm up? Oh and by the way, I either use muffs in my driveway or I lower her in a trash can with water covering the water intakes with some to spare. Sorry for the length of this, but I wanted to include as much information as I could. Also, I know this stuff is all over the forum but I didn't want to 'thread jack'.
 

Daviet

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

By the parts breakdown you do not have a tell-tale on your engine, all the water will come out of the exhaust housing about 1/3 the way down, below the power head. You cannot run that engine on muffs, must be in a barrel and the water level should be almost up to the exhaust port. It might take up to 30-40 seconds to get water out of the exhaust port.
Start it up and hold your hand on the cylinder head, should be able to hold it there for a count of 3-4. If it has been sitting that long I would change the water pump impeller at least, it will give you problems.
 

Xcusme

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

First, Welcome to iboats !!!

The water pump is the first thing you'll want to change. Find a used OMC manual and get the replacement pump. The manual will help you with other things you'll find too,
 

noskatehate

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

Hey thank you for your fast reply and for letting me know I can't use muffs that's good to know, I would have kept trying use them otherwise! And when you say almost to the exhaust port, do you mean the one the water comes out with the exhaust a little below the power head?
 

noskatehate

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

First, Welcome to iboats !!!

The water pump is the first thing you'll want to change. Find a used OMC manual and get the replacement pump. The manual will help you with other things you'll find too,

I actually just ordered one off of ebay the other day, just thought I'd see what everyone here has to say. Oh and thanks for the welcome!
 

Daviet

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

Yes, the water will be mixed with the exhaust.
 

SeaKaye12

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

I don't want to scare you...but you really should replace the impeller before you run it any longer.

If you need convincing...do a search for posts from folks who end up with a clogged water passage due to impeller "chunks" breaking off and getting stuck up there someplace. It can be a real nightmare to solve.

Impellers are cheap, and you already know how simple it is to access yours....

Chuck
 

Chinewalker

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8,902
Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

I concur - don't wait 'til next year to do the impeller. Your attempt to save money may end up cooking the motor - then you'll be in for a rebuild or replacement...
 

noskatehate

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

The only reason I was going to wait is because I probably wasn't getting the boat on the water this year. Also I don't know where to buy one haha. Now I have a new problem though. I went into my driveway earlier to test my motor in a garbage can for 30-40 seconds while feeling the block, but before I could try that my motor made a loud pop noise and smoke came from both exhaust ports. I then removed my lower unit to see if it was because of what I did the other day, but all seems to be intact. I do not know much about outboards, and my repair manual won't be here for a week or so. Any ideas?
 

Daviet

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

Was it kind of like a backfire? try opening your low speed jet about a 1/4 turn, It might be time to overhaul the carb, 12 years of sitting , I bet there is some residue in the float bowl.
 

noskatehate

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

Yeah it did seem like a back fire, but I wasn't sure. And I think I'll wait til my book comes to look at all that cause I don't know what any of that looks like. :rolleyes:
 

Daviet

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

When you get your manual and have time to study it, if you still have questions, come on back. There are lots of people here willing to help you out.
 

noskatehate

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

Okay awesome. Thank you very much for your help, it is greatly appreciated! :)
 

ezmobee

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

Your avatar shows what appears to be a Starcraft. Are you aware that you've stumbled upon probably the largest collection of Starcraft enthusiasts on the internet? Get on down here http://forums.iboats.com/Starcraft_Boats and say hello.
 

noskatehate

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Sep 5, 2010
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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

Just a quick question. I am attaching some pics and I was wondering if this is in fact the carburetor?

And ezmobee I posted a thread in the Starcraft section. Thanks for directing me there!
 

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ezmobee

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Re: First boat, 1975 Evinrude issue

That's the carb, yes.
 
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