Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

[rjlatherow]

I just purchased my real first boat in my adult life - a 20' pontoon with a 88 HP Evinrude ,model E88MSLENB, Serial G03076140.<br /><br />Previous owner was an older gentlemen who can't use it very much, and admited off the bat that he has done little or no maintenance in the 10 years he's had it. No manuals, papers, etc. It has been on the boat, in the water, since 1995. On the happy side, after you start it a few times and she warms up, she runs strong.<br /><br />My current game plan once I get her out of the water:<br /><br />replace plugs<br />clean carbs<br />do the seafoam clean out described on the forum<br />powerwash weeds off<br /><br /><br />Is there anything else I should do? No stranger to mechanics, but I haven't touched a outboard since I resureected my dad's 2HP 59 bucaneer when I was 15.<br /><br />Aside from the advice, does anyone have a clue what year it is? I am assuming 1992, but I would like more confirmation before I buy a service manual. When I do, should I get a OEM from ebay or a SeLoc one? <br /><br />Thanks for your input!<br />-rj

 

[vano6990]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

I am a newer boat owner as well. Had my 1976 Ranger Bass Boat 175-A for almost a year now. As for the year of your motor. I do not see any motor made from evinrude that was 88hp? http://www.marineengine.com/ is where to look with the model # located on the motor. <br /><br />I suggest checking everything including compression in the cylendars. Good starting point to determine engine condition etc.<br /><br />An owners manual is your best friend. I do have the OMC manual (owners and service) for more specific details about my motor. The SeLoc is great for general info regarding the types of work needed/wanted.

 

[jfm1]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

1992 88hp you should change the impeller in the water pump also I would put in new t-stat

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

I'd agree with the compression test. First thing. The only thing I might add is consider repalcing the water pump assembly. Once you know the compression is OK.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

See? Jim beat me to it..........<br /><br />But I'd still suggest a whole kit rather than just the impeller.

 

[jfm1]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

lol

 

[jfm1]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

you should also check your lower unit oil, if you don't have any water in it refill & replace oil and drain /fill gaskets/o-rings which ever it takes

 

[Solittle]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

If there is a possibility that the fuel is over a year old you should drain every drop out of the tank, lines and engine and start with fresh.

 

[mikeyzx2]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

At least the old fella was honest with you. I would also just add making sure the fuel lines and primer bulb are in good shape, if any doubt replace and add inline filter if it don't have one. And make sure the charging system is working correctly. Basically a good overall visual inspection of wiring too.

 

[rjlatherow]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Yeah, nice old guy - I wish everyone was so straight up. <br /><br />Anybody got a line on the year? I'll go ahead and order the parts tonight. Whats a v-stat?<br /><br />-rj

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Check this out. http://web.archive.org/web/20011223002716/www.evinrude.com/docktalk/modref/evmodyr/EHP88.html Looks like its a 88hp 1992 model. I think they meant thermostat for t-stat.

 

[rjlatherow]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Wow! I was googling all day and I didn;t turn that up. Thanks!<br /><br />Looks like I'm square for now - going to replace plugs, water pump bits, clean the carbs, and replace thermostat(s). Oh, and buy a manual.<br /><br />Thanks all!<br />-rj

 

[rjlatherow]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Would this manual be preferable to the SeLoc one I see everywhere?<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...arch.dll?from=R40&satitle=4607962372%09&fvi=1 <br /><br />-rj

 

[G DANE]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Sounds like it really needs a carb soaking/cleaning and rebuild, Thats usually the reason of the need for several starts and heat up before it runs like it should. Getting a little worse as you start to really use it, and not like the old fella, its the most common reason for burned up postons and scored cylinders. Get at it while everything is fine, and you have a good strong lasting motor.

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Originally posted by RJ Latherow:<br /> Would this manual be preferable to the SeLoc one I see everywhere?<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...arch.dll?from=R40&satitle=4607962372%09&fvi=1 <br /><br />-rj

From what I've heard, the OEM service manual is much better than SeLoc. Try this link: http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/evinrude/order_1980-present.html Just put in your year, hp, and engine model #. There more expensive, but I hear their worth it. I fixin to get me one too. Rudy.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

you are better off with OMC manual. definately not Clymer

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

I agree with the factory manual. I'd also suggest a compression test while youre changing the plugs anyway.<br /><br />Oh -- and Champions only!

 

[rjlatherow]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Can you fine people tell me 2 things off the top of your head? Verify fuel Mix (50:1 from what I can tell) and Plug size and gap? I ordered a manual put want to get crackin <br /><br />-rj

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Hi Rj,<br /><br />The fuel mixture is indeed 50:1 (1 pint of TCW-3 oil per 6 Gallons of gas) and the correct spark plug is a Champion L82C, recommeded gap at .030. I gap mine at .040 and it seems to run better at lower speed... good luck with your new motor...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Just bought 88HP Evinrude - where to start?

Make sure you dont get the L82YC. The pistons will make sure you run a much smaller gap. Trust me.<br /><br />You can run the (Q)L77JC4's as an alternate. And make sure you use only 87 octane.