Working on my Evenrude

[Brian J]

I been handed down what is known to me now a 1971 Evinrude 18hp long shaft. Thanks OB! I don't know much about OB engines though I am giving it a go. (Manual to arrive soon). I was told to change the plugs and gap them @ .030 which I did. I then had my prop balanced. I was also told to change the leg oil. After removing the gard thing on the bottom I found the drain plug to which I found grey to black oil draining out. How an the heck do I pump gear oil back in the bottom without it going all over the drive?<br />Ps Is there anything else I should tend to before I become a non-virgin mechanic?<br />Thanks in advance Brian J

 

[steelespike]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

There is a drain hole and a vent hole above it.<br /> The proper procedure is to put oil in through the drain until it comes out of the vent.<br />Most lower unit lube comes in a tube that will fit the hole.You will lose some so protect the drive way and hold tube in hole while you put in vent plug then it will be a little easier to put in the drain plug.

 

[dkondelik]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

On the same side as the drin plug, abit further up the leg, is another screw IDENTICAL to the lower Drain plug. BE VERY CAREFUL. DO NOT remove the phillips head screw. This is a pivot for your shift linkage. Take this out by mistake and you've got a big problem.<br /><br />Anyway after you remove the top PLUG the old lube will come running out. After it has all drained, inject new lube into the Drain hole. As soon as lube starts to come out of the top hole, replace the top plug.<br /><br />Now, put a new seal (o-ring or washer) on the bottom Plug and screw it in. A little bit of the lube will leak out but not much. <br /><br />Now remove the top plug again, replace the seal on this plug, top off the l/u with a bit more lube and replace the top plug.<br /><br />Good Luck<br />HAVE FUN!

 

[ob]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

Brian,The lower unit oil for your gearcase can be got in squeeze tubes,The tapered spout on the end will fit into the bottom drain hole for refilling.insure that the top vent plug is removed while filling and the second tube is ready to stick in drain hole when the first is empty.An assistant is helpful.Fill from bottom until gear oil weeps out the top hole and quickly install the top plug.A wedge type screw holder helps in this procedure to keep from fumbling the screw plug.Next , install the bottom screw plug.Also insure that you replace the seal washers on both plugs to prevent water intrusion.Also you can place a shallow pan under the skeg to prevent spillage onto floor.<br />If you don't know when the last time the waterpump was replaced on this engine ,it's probably time.Most regular boaters change the waterpump every two years of seasonal use.Once the items you are addressing now are complete a test run with a flush attachment will give you "some" indication as to the function of the cooling system.However the use of pressurized city water can also give you a false indication of the pumps ability to impell water.The T/stat is also an item that requires frequent change as they are proned to become encrusted with sediment and debris.Remember your engines cooling system is not a closed system like your car , but rather uses whatever water you are motoring in for its source.Your manual will walk you through the steps required for waterpump changeout procedure as well as any input you need from iboats members.Good luck with your new hobby and remember there are no dumb questions ,just dumb answers.

 

[Brian J]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

I really thank you guys for helping. Truly I am chipping away at the dark. One thing, when I removed the drain plug at the bottom and the oil level at the top I saw now seals when I removed the two screws? Should I put somethign in like washer seal onto the threads before screwing it in?

 

[ob]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

Brian , Look closely at the underside of the screws and see if there is an undercut for an "O"ring or if they are just flat.If they are flat they take a nylon seal washer.If undercut, They take an "O"ring

 

[Brian J]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

Okay will do OB, Thanks angel!

 

[ob]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

You're welcome ,I think.

 

[Brian J]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

heh,<br />T/stat?, water pump? I know it may sound stupid but until I reconise them and their step by step procedures on replacing. I have replaced my water pump in my old Camero etc but I think it would be best to wait for OB manual?<br />I live on the Mighty Fraser River here so I intend to do it as rule. No sense in taking things apart yet.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

You can buy a pump that goes with a quart bottle of oil to change the foot oil. It's much easier and dosn't make such a mess. Any marine supplier will have them and they are reasonably priced. You are wise to wait on your manual before you start work. If you undo the wrong thing, you could have problems on your hands. Good luck and have fun with your OB.

 

[Brian J]

Re: Working on my Evenrude

Thanks Jack & Ob I have just begun! Heh heh!Ya I have a lot of yuck on me but hey I am willing to learn! Nothing worse than 2 extra srcews or 1 left untuned motor!