Is a 1975 / 70HP Evinrude a good motor?

[timayres]

I am looking at a 1975 / 70HP Evinrude to put on a 16' MEF boat. The owner says it runs good but it was a little slugish when accelerating. He was told it was prabably an adjustment in the throttle linkage. Is this a good motor? The motor that was on the boat was a 1970 / 60hp Johnson that I was told had a very problematic and expensive electrical system. I am trying to avoid these types of problems. Is there anything other than the compression that I should check before buying this engine? Is $500.00 a good price?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Tim

 

[JB]

Re: Is a 1975 / 70HP Evinrude a good motor?

That is one of the great outboards ever, Tim, or it was when it was new.<br /><br />If it is in good shape $500 sounds like a very good price.<br /><br />The best check is an on-the-water test.<br /><br />Moving this to General Outboard.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Is a 1975 / 70HP Evinrude a good motor?

At a bare minimum, a compression test (especially if an on the water run isn't an option) Also look at the gear lube for any signs of water. $500 really is a good deal, but make sure it isn't too good of a deal.

 

[rpg]

Re: Is a 1975 / 70HP Evinrude a good motor?

Tim, that exact same motor taught me how to water ski back when I was a Youngster. It did that without fail for 4 years, running wide open all day long. That has to be one of the best outboard engines ever. We never had a single issue with it. It always started, idled and ran flawlessly. <br /><br />I was sorry to see my dad finally sell it for a bigger boat. <br /><br />RPG