Total Newb with XP200 needs advice

[Irish916]

Hi folks, I've been a long time visitor to these forums and I wanted to ask a few questions about my outboard, because unfortunately, I'm new to outboards.

I recently picked up a 1985 Hydra-Sports VL485DC bass boat. The boat has an Evinrude XP200 outboard on it. It's my understanding the outboard is NOT original, although the boat originally came with a previous version of the XP200.

Best that I can tell, the outboard is an 86/87. Below is the code stamped on the outboard:
E200STLCUA G1461746

The boat had been sitting for a few months and I bought it in late fall. We were able to check the cylinders and we had solid and even compression on all 6 cylinders.

In preparation for winterizing we noticed the idle was rough. After pumping out all of the gas left in the boat, replacing it with 89 octane and fuel treatment things got a little better, but the idle was still rough. I tested the spark on each bank, and noticed that one back was not getting appropriate spark (test light showed left bank spark was rapid even, right back was intermittent) I replaced the power pak on the right bank and restored spark correctly. The idle improved, but it's still a bit rough.

So time for the questions (again, sorry I'm trying to learn)

What RPM should the outboard idle at?

I'm told the outboard may react differently in water (backpressure from the exhaust/outboards being tuned to run better in water)? Can anyone comment on this?

Upon removing the air cover, I noticed this outboard has what appears to be 6 staggered 1 barrel carbs? I guess I was expecting 3 two barrels. Does anyone have experience with this set up? Maybe provide advice on the best way to clean these carbs?

I'm noticing a solid P-stream while on the hose, but I have no idea how old the pump is. Do folks recommend replacing the water pump?? Is it a do-it-yourself job?!


Thanks in advance for your feedback. I have a feeling this will be a strong outboard, I just want to make sure I'm taking the appropriate measures to maintain it!

 

[jonesg]

Re: Total Newb with XP200 needs advice

1987 by googling the model number.
It will ( we hope) idle around 700 rpm in the water in gear.
Sometimes they don't idle too good on a hose, it will probably be around 1000-1100 on a hose, mine doesn't like the hose but idles like a clock in the water.
You really won't know for sure until you get it in the water and put a load on it. The hose only tells us it runs, not how well.

New to you, if the service history is not documented and known then I would go through it completely. Heres what I did and more...

First get the factory service book, not after mkt books.
www.outboardbooks.com
Take compression and write it down in the manual for reference.

decarb it.
Change fuel filter on engine, I think theres a cone filter between the carbs.
Order 6 carb kits , rebuild them. Cost about $22 each, simple job.
Order 12 gear drain seals and change gear oil, use new seals on drain plugs.
Clean tank, change fuel lines, install water seperator.
Order water pump impellor, thermostats.
New plugs to be installed after decarbing with seafoam.
Drain and clean tank, replumb if needed.
Remove prop an check prop shaft for fishing line, lube, reinstall prop.
Use a new stainless cotter pin on prop nut.

Follow the 100 hr maintainance schedule in the manual for the rest.