Outboard Repair

[JimLahey]

I am looking for some help with my 1978 Evinrude 75hp. the motor starts and runs. just doesn’t always have power getting on plane. It is in a 1974 Glastron that was my father’s boat. We redid the fiberglass plywood floor 2 years ago and the boat/motor holds sentimental value.

I am in the Albany NY area.

Thanks.

• This topic was modified 3 years, 9 months ago by JimLahey.
• This topic was modified 3 years, 9 months ago by JimLahey.

[seakaye12]

Hi Jim,

You might want to indicate your approximate location.  Some of the Members here own repair shops and/or could recommend someone in your area. 

1 user thanked author for this post.

JimLahey

[JimLahey]

I thought I added that in. I am in the Albany NY area.  I have reached out to several marinas on the area but none want to work on a 1975 outboard.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 9 months ago by JimLahey.

[joecb]

Yes, It’s pretty sad that one can’t find a modern day shop that will work on an older motor. Part of the problem is the very high hourly rates that some feel are necessary to sustain their business. If you were nearer to my neighborhood in S-E Michigan, I think that we could connect you with help, either through a club member or a professional shop. Since the motor starts and runs, problem shouldn’t be too bad.

Hopefully a club member in your area will jump in with help…. Most of us have a soft spot for a family heirloom.

Joe B

[crosbyman]

if… you are not mecaniclay inclined at least give it a good dose of  engine cleaner , seafoam, Merc  power tune etc…  is  separate  gallon container with fresh gas  and  have  it circulate  for  a while  maybe…..it will wake it up  if compression is decent.

could be just  dirty carb.

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[fleetwin]

Well, before you go too far finding a mechanic…  There are a few things to know about the 75hp models.  They were meant for high speed/lightweight boat applications and oftentimes don’t perform well on conventional runabouts.  These engines lack much of the mid range power needed to help get a boat on plane.  Especially if the boat is relatively short, with a deep V and tends to “squat” on acceleration.  Once on plane, does it seem like the engine is making full power?

You may want to start with a reliable tachometer.  Do you know what RPM the engine turns up at WOT?  I am assuming the engine does not have power trim and tilt.  Do you know what pitch prop you are using, or perhaps the part number of the propeller?  These engines really need to spin up their maximum RPM (5500) in order to deliver any power.  Have you done a compression test?  These engines had higher compression than their 70hp counterparts, so lugging them at low WOT RPM coupled with today’s low octane fuels tends to wear them out prematurely.

I used to be the service rep for your area many years ago.  I’m pretty sure both of these shops still exist,  Knapiks in Amsterdam is a good repair shop for older engines.  Nick Roberti’s Marine in Kingston is also a good place for older engines.  It won’t be cheap, but they will be honest with you and are familiar with your engine.  Please tell them that Don Kellogg recommended their shops for you.

[crosbyman]

your a good man Fleetwin 🙂

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