Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

[paperdesk]

Here's the original post: http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=020501 <br /><br />I have a 1973 135hp Evinrude outboard.<br /><br />I finally ended up taking the boat to a mechanic, and this is the picture he paints. There are several broken/shot reed valves, and the cylinders are scorched. He says it's not worth fixing!<br /><br />So, here's what I'm left wondering. If the boat still runs as well as it does (plenty of power but doesn't idle well), why does he say it's not worth fixing?<br /><br />I haven't been able to get through to the mechanic that worked on it yet, but he left a phone message that gave me the bad news. I'm still trying to get through to find out more.<br /><br />Can I replace the reed valves myself? Would it be worth doing? What about the "scorched cylinders"?<br /><br />Please help, I'm a little discouraged about this news. Thanks.<br /><br />Ted

 

[DJ]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Well Ted, let's look at it this way.<br /><br />1. Scored cylinders are not going to heal themselves and they will cause major problems, down the road.<br /><br />2. The engine is 31 years old.<br /><br />Can it be fixed? Sure it can. Is it worth it? That's your call.<br /><br />You can replace the reeds yourself, yet I wouldn't unless you're going to do everything.<br /><br />If you want to rebuild it, and provide your own labor, you can figure at least $2-300.00 per cylinder.<br /><br />By the way, the 135 never did idle very well.<br /><br />If you do rebuild it, you may want to consider this tip, from Dhadley.<br /><br />Ditto -- no KGB plugs in an OMC!!<br /><br />Just a note -- as mentioned, when everything is perfect, those motors still didnt idle all that well. We used to put 115 heads on them and they idled great! And on a recreational boat you couldnt tell the difference on top end.<br /><br />Just some trivia.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Sad to hear Ted.<br /><br />You might look at it in a different angle.<br /><br />1: Rebuilding this motor will make it last a long time, assuming the lower unit and electrical is in good shape.<br /><br />2: If you lean more to dumping it, you might as well get the last out of it, just dont go anywhere where your life could depend of it. Get a used intake/reed asmbly, and bolt it on yourselves, will improve power and iddle a lot. Mix oil/gas 1:30 and run it as long as you can.<br /><br />Its your decision.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Ted I just reread your previous post. It seems you didnt loose that much compression, the 135 should be around 125 - 140, when in perfect shape, and with around 100 in all holes it should be able to run, if thats what you want it to. Things will get worse, however.

 

[paperdesk]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Thanks for the posts guys. What further damage could runing it with cracked valves or scored cylinders do? Based on comp. test posted before it seems like it might be only one cylinder bad. Can only one be fixed, or are all required to be at once?

 

[G DANE]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

The risc is that the broken pieces of the reeds might be somewhere inside, waiting to hit the pistons. I once broke a reed and chipped another, and took entire motor apart to find it, as no damage occured to cylinders and pistons. Found it at last behind one of the bypass covers, the last piece a removed from block. Your could pull all 4 bypass covers and take a look. How many reed leaves are missing, and is it on different cylinders ?

 

[paperdesk]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Dane, I don't know how many are damaged/missing yet, but I'll ask if I can ever get through to the mechanic <br /><br />I'm wondering how where to start when purchasing replacement reed leaves? Would something like this be an option? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...tem=2476247520&category=50439&sspagename=WDVW <br /><br />Is it possible to just buy the "leaves" themselves instead of the whole assembly?

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

A scored cylinder, or scuffed piston on a 1973, 135 is not hard to believe, but several broken reed valve's is! I would pull the cylinder head's off, and look at the cylinder wall's. If they will clean up at .030, " OMC piston's", or .040 "Wiseco piston's " The engine can be saved. The draw back is, you will have more money in this engine than what it is worth. This is even if you can do the work you're self. This is a choice only you can make.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Yes - I think the set is what you need, but to be sure, someone else please second, as the 1973 135 was special. I find several broken hard to believe too, VERY unusual. My experience is, with a broken leaf, the cylinder in question will not run at all.

 

[paperdesk]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

So, if the motor doesn't end up being worth fixing, what options would I have? Are you saying that for the $1000 or so it would cost to fix this motor I could buy another used one in good condition? I'm new at this so I don't know what I'm up against. Where would I look for a used motor if that's what you might suggest.<br /><br />Ted

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

I think, and please correct me if I'm wrong, that the guys are saying that the repairs are going to cost you more than the motor is worth. However -- its probably cheaper than finding another one in good running order.<br /><br />It boils down to this -- what's the motor worth to you? When you get done you'll still have a 31 year old motor. But, you know the history. <br /><br />Now -- I also find it hard to believ that the motor has several broken reeds and still runs. Sucking that much air could prevent it from even starting.<br /><br />If the mechanic has pulled the heads and is looking at a bunch of marks in the piston, that could be broken rings. I've seen that diagnosed more than once as broken reeds.<br /><br />All this isnt helping you make a decision I know. But its some background that may help in the end. I would say to go look at what the mechanic is talking about and see for yourself.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

If you can easily risk a breakdown, I'd be tempted to run it the way it is - after some checks. What I mean is that if you're just lake-skiing with the thing, not running offshore in the ocean, then all you risk is a tow in. Run it like you stole it (swiping Hooty's line) ...and in the meantime, be saving your bucks for another motor. The parts off that one (lower unit, ignition, etc.) are worth a couple hundred bucks, so you've got a start. You can replace the motor with a good used unit for a little under $1000, considering you can reuse your controls & prop.<br /><br />In the meantime, make sure it's cooling - you should be able to rest your hand on the cylinder water jackets for 2-3 seconds even when the engine's fully warmed-up. Make sure the carbs aren't gummed up/dirty. I'd stick with the 50:1 oil, but I'd back the WOT timing off a couple of degrees. Post back if you need instructions on how to do these things.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

DH & RJ are right it'd be smart to find out what the cylinders looked like, even if it means just asking the mechanic. If it's just scratched up, run it. If there's something that's going to fly apart soon, e.g. if top ring land is broken (those 135s have the tapered Dykes-style top ring), maybe the game's up already.<br /><br />That motor's not worth rebuilding. Typically, you'd either buy another motor, or buy a good used powerhead (figure $250 for a 115hp) & bolt that up. The 1973-77 85-115hp will bolt on, as will the 1973-76 135 (right, guys?).

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Yes, those powerheads -- as a complete unit -- will bolt right up. The individual parts (crank, block, rods & pistons) are different than the 73. Actually you can use a newer style powerhead but you have to relocate two mounting bolt holes on each side. No big deal.

 

[paperdesk]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Ok! I like that advice! I'm guessing that at this point the 115hp would give me more power than I'm getting out of the 135 anyway (my max speed is about 35mph)! If I can get away with it I'll just leave the cylinders alone.<br /><br />What about the leaf valves? Sould I still try to replace them? Unfortunately I'm far away from the boat shop, so I can't just pop in and see what it looks like, but I'll give them a call and find out what the deal is, and how so many of the valves could be damaged.<br /><br />Thanks guys.<br /><br />BTW where would I go to try to find used powerheads?

 

[steviecops]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

Ted<br />I've just read this thread and your last one and I feel for you. However, aren't we all very lucky to have access to such great advice from the good people on this site?<br /><br />I wish you all the best with your engine.<br />Steve

 

[paperdesk]

Re: Mechanic says motor shot. Can I do anything?

That's right Steve, it's really encouraging to know that there's a great online community here.<br /><br />Thank you everyone.