HELP! Starting a 1962 3HP Evinrude Lightwin

[hraustin3794]

A friend just gave me a 1962 3HP Evinrude Lightwin, was his grandfather's & looks to be in good shape. He said his grandpa took it to a mechanic and had everything checked out & running about 4-5 years ago and then stored it in the shed. The gas tank is bone dry...they probably burnt the gas out of it and emptied it. I would like to fire it up & put on jon boat.
1?] Should I mix up gas and swish it around in the tank & empty a couple of times for any loose debris?
2?] If it fires up, should I watch closely to see that the impeller is spitting out water....main ques, would the impeller probably be good to go if it works or should it definitely be replaced assuming dry rot.... don't have much money.
3?] If it should be replaced, where can I order one....and is it easy to do...I'm pretty handy and changed one on a 40 hp before.?
4?] Any other tips or things to do or look out for in getting it back to service?

Just trying to get out there and catch a fish : ) Thx in advance for your help!

 

[lindy46]

Re: HELP! Starting a 1962 3HP Evinrude Lightwin

If the tank looks clean and dry, I'd just put some gas/oil mix in and stick her in a barrel of water and see if she fires up and pumps water. I'd go ahead and order an impeller (should have here on Iboats) and change it out just to be on the safe side. Easy job on those motors. I think there are only 4 bolts holding the lower unit on, and no shift lever to worry about. Once you drop the L/U, if you pull the driveshaft out of the unit, it can be a bit tricky getting it back down. Make sure there is an 0-ring around the top of the driveshaft before putting it back together.