To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

[untamedmind0211]

Hello. A couple of weeks ago I acquired a boat recently that came with a 1972 2 Cylinder Evinrude 50 hp outboard, that does not run. Its not frozen or anything but the wiring and shifter is ruined. As I have come to find out, it is a hydro-electric shift model. And I've also learned that its rather expensive to replace that stuff. Also the coils are blown, don't know yet of the power pack. I guess this would be a good time to mention that I've never worked on a boat motor in my life, but have a lot of experience with cars so I guess it helps. Also, with the boat also came a parts motor, model 50273C, which appears to be identical, but its already been stripped of the electrical stuff so I can't take it from there. Plus the casing is beat to hell.

Anyway, I was contemplating rebuilding the powerhead and buying new wiring and putting new seals on the lower unit, but is it really worth it on this model? It seems like its a trouble prone model. Also I cannot find one single company that manufactures pistons for this thing. Not even sierra. Should I even mess with these things or should I scrap them for parts and ebay the pieces off?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

personally i would not do it. the restoration would cost you about 3 times the value of that motor running, if you can find the electrical parts.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

personally i would not do it. the restoration would cost you about 3 times the value of that motor running, if you can find the electrical parts.

agreed!id look for a nice runner of what ever make you desire,you should be able to get on for a decent price.take a knowledgable buddy along to help you out.

 

[untamedmind0211]

Re: To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

Yeah. It was as I thought. Good thing I didn't pay for the motors! But I guess I'll stick them on craigslist or something. I'm sure someone who already has one of these can use the parts. The motor that is on the boat is solid as a rock, just doesn't run. But I have seen it run before, a year ago. didn't have problems then.

 

[untamedmind0211]

Re: To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

I just might have another motor. My step brother is going to check but he thinks his old motor that only needs fuel pump (yet won't shift) is the same. That would be awesome. Only thing is I'm pretty sure the fuel pump on my motor is gummed up. And they are like $70. I really don't want to spend more than a couple of hundred maximum if I do this. Is it possible to do an electric fuel pump conversion?

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

Its possible to install an electric fuel pump, but it is a very bad idea. You also don't know whether the fuel pump is bad, to begin with.

I also note in your post, that all you know about the motor is that it won't run. I see no information as to doing a compression check (why would you want to rebuild a powerhead, before knowing its condition), testing ignition parts or testing the hydro-electric shift system.

With this amount of information, I have no opinion of whether or not you should try to fix this motor. Without knowing more, all I can say, is that you might have a motor that is worth fixing and you might have a hunk of junk.

I think you have two choices. You can do some testing on the motor to have a proper basis for making a repair/don't repair decision, or you can go find another motor that runs well. Neither of these options is going to be achievable for a couple of hundred dollars, however - at least not if you want a 50hp engine.

The first place that I would start with is "the wiring and the shifter." What about them is ruined?



???

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

Is it possible to do an electric fuel pump conversion?

Don't do it !!!!
Very bad idea in my opinion !!!!

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: To fix or not to fix? 1972 50hp - 50ESL72C

I'm sure some will disagree with me, but the 2 cylinder 50 is one of my least favorite motors.