Restoring a 1980 70 hp Evinrude Help

[handi2]

Hello,

I purchased a 1976 Aquasport 170 center console to restore for my son and grandson. The boat came with a 1980 70hp Evinrude that I planned on replacing. After checking the compression and finding right at 150psi on all cylinders I will also restore the engine.

The wiring on the engine has been "repaired" with auto style connectors and the insulation is cracking. The stator wires have been cut and repaired along with others. The engine barely runs and there is no fire to the #1 cylinder. The trigger is bad.

My main question is that I would like to replace everything electrical on the engine and also the harness to the helm along with the helm itself.

Am I wasting my money in doing this? From searching it looks like it's not too expensive to do this and have pieace of mind.

Where is the best place to purchase the items? Should I go new or used?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Restoring a 1980 70 hp Evinrude Help

Is it a waste of money to replace faulty wiring? Heck no! Just ask anyone that has floated around for hours trying to troubleshoot faulty wiring

 

[handi2]

Re: Restoring a 1980 70 hp Evinrude Help

Obviously the faulty parts will be changed. My questions were I would like to replace everything..

 

[handi2]

Re: Restoring a 1980 70 hp Evinrude Help

My main question is that I would like to replace everything electrical on the engine and also the harness to the helm along with the helm itself.

Am I wasting my money in doing this? From searching it looks like it's not too expensive to do this and have pieace of mind.

Where is the best place to purchase the items? Should I go new or used?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Restoring a 1980 70 hp Evinrude Help

I have a mid-80's 70, bought used, my second one, and went through wiring issues recently with an intermittant short. I bought a wiring harness for the motor, new, for about $450--that year was a scarce fit; other years are cheaper.
I also replaced the control wiring with a used set.
It was right expensive, but I stuck with it b/c I had very little in the motor, it was the perfect size and is one of the "better" OMC's. If I started over with a different motor I would end up spending as much. PLus I'm stubborn.
Is it worth it? You may spend more than the motor is "worth" but you will have an operating motor--cheaper than buying another used one with the same or different problems. and just price a new one if you have doubts.

BTW the old Aquasport hulls are great!

 

[handi2]

Re: Restoring a 1980 70 hp Evinrude Help

Thanks Home Cookin'

I have found some NOS parts on eBay. I am replacing every wire on the boat..!

 

[handi2]

Re: Restoring a 1980 70 hp Evinrude Help

I purchased the new parts needed and I was amazed. When I purchased the 170 to restore I wasn't going to use the 1980 70hp Evinrude. After checking the compression at right at 150psi on all cylinders I decided to make it run.
After repacing the trigger and one coil the engine started the first time..! It will start with just a touch of the key..!! I was truly amazed when the old thing started and ran perfect even with the old plugs.