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If it ain't broke should I fix it?

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Bart Hanline

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Just bought a 1960 Evinrude Lark II 40 hp outboard out of some guys barn. He didn't have the history on it b/c it was the owners son-in-law selling stuff to clean the barn up. So I am not sure how much it has been used or even when the last time is was run. It seems in decent shape considering it's age. After new plugs, installing new fuel lines, rewiring the electrical harness, cleaning the fuel pump and re-lubricating the whole thing I got it running. I was very excited.

I ran it for 15 minutes and shut it down to check the compression and I was getting 90 & 93 psi in both cylinders. I started the engine up and it seemed to run great. I reved it once and it cut out and I couldn't get it restarted. The spark plugs stopped getting sparks so I took the flywheel off to reinspect points/condenser/coil etc and everything looked fine. Then I found that the flywheel key had sheared which was wierd to me b/c there never was any load on the unit.

I just ordered a new flywheel key and hopefully that will correct my problem.

My question is this... should I replace the points and condensor eventhough they don't seem to be a problem? Should I rebuild carborator even though it seems fine? I'm of the mind that after I have done all the basic maintenance why do more? Why fix something that ain't broke? Just interested in hearing your opinion... thanks in advance!

Regards,
Bart
Rookie outboard guy :)
 
You must replace the waterpump impeller.-----------Lap the crank / flywheel tapers for a proper fit.------Torque the flywheel nut after assembly.------------Outboards rarely get a chance to " wear out " ---they end up torn apart because of mis-use / lack of maintenance / and just plain neglect.
 
Install a new impeller as they break down with time not hrs of use !!!!!!!!.-------------Most people replace them or try to when it is too late , motor turns into scrap !!!------------Smear valve grinding compound on the tapers and rotate the parts until they fit properly.
 
It's possible the previous owner replaced the coils and either did not get a chance to properly torque the flywheel or torqued it at too low a torque setting. Another possibility is that he used an incorrect key.
 
Gotcha, I have the impeller, o-ring and grommets on order now. Better safe than sorry and since I won't use the engine until spring probably I have time to do the maintenance.

Also, thanks bobbyc on response about flywheel key. I suspect you are right, the flywheel wasn't torqued correctly - that makes sense and fits the situation.

I'll let you know how things come out after I get the parts and have had time to fix everything.
 
Hardware " fits everything " key do not work here.-----------Only use factory parts.----------------------Had someone drop off a package of " little brown bottles " this afternoon along with a " thank you for helping me ". Seems many dealers are using people with motors as a " scource "of easy revenue.
 
Just as an update... I installed the new flywheel key and the engine fired up and ran fine. That absolutely was the problem. I haven't tackled the installing the impeller yet, but that will be the next job after I get the carb. rebuilt. The engine was giving off a lot of smoke and it seemed like there was a lot of gas in the water. I know these engines smoke a lot anyway, but I think its more than normal. I am going to clean the carb. and go ahead an put new points and coils in since I have it apart again. If it is still smokin after that I guess I'll have to look at the vavles or o-rings???

I gotta tell you though, I am having a lot of fun working on this engine... I might even give up golf. When I got the thing runnin' for the first time in I don't know how many years you couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Its just so cool that this 50 year old piece of machinery still runs. Now I just don't want to get stuck out on the lake somewhere :)
 
It is rewarding to get a 50 year old engine running again...it makes you wonder who was operating it 50 or even 25 years ago and what type of boat it was used on....Nautical Nostalgia!
 
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