General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

[lokerd]

Hello. I am not sure if I need to be concerned about how loose the lower motor cover is. It moves about 3/8" to 1/2" on the mounting bolts. Is this ok? If not, what can I do about it?

Also, when I need to tilt the motor, is it ok to use the Grip of the steering handle? Feels like it is going to break...but it is awkward to try to get the motor to tilt using the Steering bracket.

There are three loose wire inside. One is really loose with a bare end...the other two look like they had connectors. Parts diagram call it SHORTING WIRE LEAD ASSEMBLY, Short (incl. it and is part of the Magneto Group. Just not sure what that is.

Should I replace the grommets around the choke and low speed control? It has broken loose...not sure if it is critical.

There is a lever on the side of the engine near the gear shift handle. I can't really tell what it is from teh parts diagram...but you can see it in the picture. It is pretty loose. Looks like it held a cable?

I have put some pictures to help get an idea of the condition of the motor. Is there anything else I should know about the motor before taking off in it? I am hoping to get it a test run here in a bit. Service manual should be in later this next week.

Thanks for all the help!!!

 

[lokerd]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

Well, the engine ran pretty good. I am shocked. We were out for a couple of hours...got out to a pretty remote place...trolled around for a while taking some pictures...it was very cool!

I am still not sure what setting the low speed control should be set to. It didn't like to go to idle...or at least, I didn't know where to set the throttle when I did need to idle, etc.

On the way home I broke the bracket that hold the engine back in title. Well, the bracket resting place was already broken. Not sure if the spring bracket was OEM...or something homemade, but it bent so far that it will not stay up. The last time it gave out, the strap loosed up, the engine dropped down, and the prop dragged the ground when I pulled over. It wasn't in too good of shape anyway...but it I think it is still plenty useful...just a bit more jagged.

Question is if the block of wood I have in place will work until I can find a more suitable replacement? Is something broken off the main lower section that is critical to the operation of the tilt? Am I looking at a major repair to replace the outside case if even possible?

I have attached a new picture to show that section of the motor (image 0258).

Thanks!

 

[lokerd]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

Hello...sorry to bump my own thread...hope this is not a violation...let me know...and I won't do it again. One forum I am on allows 1 bump per 24 hours...another doesn't allow bumping at all.

Anyway, really looking for an answer to at least the issue I now have with the broken tilt bracket.

Can I just stick a block of wood under there??? I posted a picture in my 2nd post in this thread.

Thanks!!

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

Congratulations on owning that great motor and asking all the right questions.

That motor could run forever if you take care of it.

It is best to tilt the motor by the using the hand hold on the back of the engine cover at the top. Don't put all the stress. on the tiller handle.

I would keep a good set of oars in your boat as a back up.

Look at the tilt and see what part is missing. You could even show the dealer and he might help you buy a part.

A few helpful hints for that engine are:

When starting the engine, try not to pull the rope to the end of it's travel. Use a quick, swift pull right out of the spool. Only use the first 1/2 to 3/4 of the rope.

Use quality oil and mix it well. On older engine, I like to go a little rich like 40:1 or 35:1.

I had the same engine in my teens for fishing and the block of wood method worked.

Enjoy your motor

 

[P 0 P E Y E]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

Do you mean the lower part of the engine cowl is loose?

If it is check the hardware at the attach points and make sure all the right washers are in the right positions.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

You are missing the tilt pin and accompanying parts. Personally, on a 25hp motor, you need that stuff to be right for it to be safe. 25hp is lots of motor on a light boat!
The low speed adjustment is clearly explained by an expert (Joe Reeves) in the "top secret files" section. I've used it many times myself.
The "lever" in front of the shifter is a mount for the remote control shift cable that may have been used in the past and has absolutely no function when the motor is operated by a tiller.
The grommets are no big deal, but do keep dust out and the motor has no air filter, so.......
Two of the three wires you mentioned are probably supposed to be going to a kill button that should be mounted in a round hole in the front of the lower cowl. I'm unsure of the third wire. I WOULD fix this, since if you ever hit an underwater obstruction and that motor comes up in your lap, you're going to want to shut that motor off quick or it will likely throw a rod from overreving. You can still get a new kill button for it.
The lower cowl should not flop all around, but it should move somewhat on the rubber engine mounts. To fix this, the powerhead has to come off. If your tilt bracket or midsection is broken, now would be the time to fix all that with the proper used parts. They can be found fairly easy. AOMCI.org is a great place to make a free ad, laingsoutboards would have it, too, but for probably more money. I can't tell if you have something broken or not from the pic.
Hope this helps,
JBJ

 

[lokerd]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

> You are missing the tilt pin and accompanying parts. Personally, on a 25hp motor, you need that stuff to be right for it to be safe. 25hp is lots of motor on a light boat!

Hmmm. Ok, other than traveling on the trailer, to get the motor off the ground, do I need the tilt pin for in the water?

I tilted it while still the water. The motor was off...and I was using the tolling motor...and it flopped over and almost ran me into the dock when the motor hit my arm and knocked my steering out of whack (it was already bad). With the motor tilted back, it kept getting in the way of me steering...so, not sure I will tilt it back again...or do I have to in some boat launches to make sure it doesn't drag? I know it needs to be titled before pulling it out...at rather before pulling it all the way up on the trailer.

> The low speed adjustment is clearly explained by an expert (Joe Reeves) in the "top secret files" section. I've used it many times myself.

Ok, I will go read that, thanks! Sorry I missed that section.

> The "lever" in front of the shifter is a mount for the remote control shift cable that may have been used in the past and has absolutely no function when the motor is operated by a tiller.

Would it allow me to go into reverse easier? Is it repairable at this point? The tiller does not have a reverse...just speed.

> The grommets are no big deal, but do keep dust out and the motor has no air filter, so.......

Didn't know that. Thanks.

> Two of the three wires you mentioned are probably supposed to be going to a kill button that should be mounted in a round hole in the front of the lower cowl.

Ok, I will definite fix that!! Thanks!

> The lower cowl should not flop all around, but it should move somewhat on the rubber engine mounts.

It doesn't move around a tremendous amount. After further inspection, it just looks like the rubber engine mounts are pretty compressed so it jostles around a bit.

> To fix this, the powerhead has to come off. If your tilt bracket or midsection is broken, now would be the time to fix all that with the proper used parts.

Yes, where the tilt bracket is supposed to rest, it is broken...I can see the rough edge of of the case is broken. Given the part availability, is taking the entire thing apart going to be something I can handle?

I mean, I have tinkered with a lot of things, fixed camera lenses, operated on DVD players and other electronics, soldered stuff, replaced parts on things, jerry rigged all kinds of things, have an ok tool collection, but other than watching and sort of helping my dad with overhauling a 1966 VW and other car repair (mainly holding a flashlight) when I was a young boy, it seems kind of overwhelming to think I could take all this apart.

IOW, will it be easy to get apart and get back together? What if there a lot of bolts that have never been loosened and I break them off? Will the engine (i.e. head) have to come off...as in completely take the motor apart to get replace the midsection?

Thanks!

 

[F_R]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

Whew! So many questions, where to begin.

That "lever" by the gearshift is for attaching a remote control cable. It also holds the lower cowling rubber mounts. You say yours is loose. That means it is broken, not just loose. That is one reason your hood is flopping around. You may also have some broken rubber cowl mounts. There are four of them. Yes, the powrhead has to come off to fix any of it.

That bent-up tilt support in your picture looks like a home-made affair. It is not original to the motor, although there were aftermarket ones that it looks like somebody has tried to copy. Most people used a piece of 2 x 4. If you want to do it right, get yourself a transom saver. They sell them here at iboats. Since your motor can contact the ground, I strongly suggest the transom saver.

You tilt the motor by grabbing the handle built into the motor cover, top rear. Do not push down on the tiller unless you want to break it--and you will.

Sorry, I've lost track of the other questions. Are there any more still unanswered?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

Hmmm. Ok, other than traveling on the trailer, to get the motor off the ground, do I need the tilt pin for in the water?
A: Yes, it keeps the motor in the correct position so that your boat doesn't plow or porpoise when running full throttle.

Would it allow me to go into reverse easier? Is it repairable at this point? The tiller does not have a reverse...just speed.

Answer: The shifter on the side of the motor should be forward a little bit for forward thrust, straight up for neutral, and back a little for reverse. The tiller should be idled low before shifting, and you should NEVER start the motor other than when it's in neutral.

Yes, where the tilt bracket is supposed to rest, it is broken...I can see the rough edge of of the case is broken. Given the part availability, is taking the entire thing apart going to be something I can handle?

I would think you can based on the paragraph below. Those motors are easy to work on or I couldn't handle it, either.

I mean, I have tinkered with a lot of things, fixed camera lenses, operated on DVD players and other electronics, soldered stuff, replaced parts on things, jerry rigged all kinds of things, have an ok tool collection, but other than watching and sort of helping my dad with overhauling a 1966 VW and other car repair (mainly holding a flashlight) when I was a young boy, it seems kind of overwhelming to think I could take all this apart.

IOW, will it be easy to get apart and get back together?
A: Nothing worth doing is easy! But it's doable.....
What if there a lot of bolts that have never been loosened and I break them off?
A: You drill them out and retap the hole, and yes they are a pain. If you live up north, they will probably come out pretty easy, if you live in the humid south or anywhere within 50 miles of saltwater, they could be a pain or nearly impossible.
Will the engine (i.e. head) have to come off...as in completely take the motor apart to get replace the midsection?
A: No, just a few bolts and the powerhead will come off as an assembly. You will have to remove the shifter (easy), the carb. (easy and you'll need to clean it anyway), and the lever that moves the armature plate under the flywheel (easy), and the shifter (easy). Don't ever remove the head unless you have to.
Thanks![/quote]

Good luck,
JBJ

 

[lokerd]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

>: Yes, it keeps the motor in the correct position so that your boat doesn't plow or porpoise when running full throttle.

Hmmm. I was pretty sure that was it's purpose...I have ridden and driven a few ski boats over the years...boat have never owned or driven anything like this. On the skit boat, I just pulled a lever. On this boat (motor) it would seem that to change the tilt requires a bit of a challenge. Well, prior to it break completely, I didn't realize it was not right in the first place. Now having looked at some other motors (at Academy last night), perhaps once I get this repair, it will be easy to adjust.

Would it allow me to go into reverse easier? Is it repairable at this point? The tiller does not have a reverse...just speed.

> should be idled low before shifting, and you should NEVER start the motor other than when it's in neutral.

Ok, fortunately I figured out it wouldn't be a good idea to start while ingear. But there I was floating in the water...with the instructions for getting started that worked so well...and realized I didn't know how to put it into gear once I had the motor running. When I put the tiller on shift...the engine died. Maybe it is a lowspeed idle issue that I haven't gotten tweaked yet. But, when I put the idle up just a little bit, I was able to shift gears at what seemed to be a reasonable shift (didn't sound like any thing was grinding like a bad clutch shift on a manual transmission). I am going to use the Top Secrete Tutorial to try to tweak the low speed idle a bit...although wiht out the aid of the instructions, I thought I had gotten it tweaked pretty good...but just not good enough to shift to gear while the tiller was on "shift".

> I would think you can based on the paragraph below. Those motors are easy to work on or I couldn't handle it, either.

Ok, as long as I don't have to break open the engine, you have given me some confidence. I am a teacher...and off for the summer...so I am going to look for the parts and see what I can find.

> just a few bolts and the powerhead will come off as an assembly. You will have to remove the shifter (easy), the carb. (easy and you'll need to clean it anyway), and the lever that moves the armature plate under the flywheel (easy), and the shifter (easy). Don't ever remove the head unless you have to.

Ok, there went the confidence I had. Whew!!

> Good luck,

Thanks!! And thanks for taking so much time to help!!

 

[lokerd]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

> Whew! So many questions, where to begin.

Yeah, sorry about that. I am glad to have found you folks!!! Thanks for being here.

>You say yours is loose. That means it is broken, not just loose. That is one reason your hood is flopping around. You may also have some broken rubber cowl mounts.

I don't think it is as bad I made it sound. Turns out my dad worked on a similar image 40 years ago. I am going to get the parts all read to go to refurb and repair the title, cowling mounts, the broken bracket and anything else I should...and hopefully I will tackle this when he returns in a month.

> If you want to do it right, get yourself a transom saver.

Thanks for the tip. I found one at Academy last night...but will look here also. Academy had two options...not sure which was best. Is there one here that you like over another for the back of a Jon boat?

> Since your motor can contact the ground, I strongly suggest the transom saver.

Yeah, the prop was in ok condition, now it is not as good. I'll need to post a picture and see what you all think.

> You tilt the motor by grabbing the handle built into the motor cover, top rear. Do not push down on the tiller unless you want to break it--and you will.

Thanks for the heads up. I was worried about grabbing a hold of the cover since it is a little loose. The latch seem a little, I dunno...not real secure. But i have but some makeshift tubing around wear the case engine seal goes...and it is a little snugger.

Thanks for your time and help!!

 

[lokerd]

Re: General questions about Evinrude 25 hp, 1969

Use quality oil and mix it well. On older engine, I like to go a little rich like 40:1 or 35:1.

I have out for two successful 1+ hour roundabouts. The motor appears to be running well, except for low idle, which I am still trying to tweak that little know. I also plan to have a looksee in the carb soon...just got the service manual in yesterday.

I am about to mix the oil the first time myself...and want to try your suggestion of 40:1. I have no idea what the PO did for the tank of gas I have been using.

My question is what do you consider to be quality oil? Gander Mountain had several to choose from. The PO included a bottle of E/J branded oil. Should i stick with it...or is there something better? Or just as good? Specifically, I would like to get the gallon sized container...of a good brand to go with the Evinrude motor.

I was going to ask how to go about mixing odd amounts. I put in an exact amount on the way home last time...so I know exactly how many gallons to mix with...and I found this helpful link: http://www.southernskies.net/page_info/gas_mix.html

Thanks!!