55 Evinrude Twin Sitting for 5+ Years

**boathouse** · 07-12-2016, 03:08 PM

Picking up a boat from a friend this weekend.

Electric start, manual trim, 55hp Evinrude Twin Cyl. from the mid 70's.

Last time the boat ran was mid 2010.

Before installing a new battery, running fresh gas, new plugs and cranking her over, what should I go through to ensure a decent chance of it starting?

The lower unit turns freely and the steering system moves easily, albeit a simple dual pully cable.

**Robby321** · 07-12-2016, 03:12 PM

Put a new impeller in.

**delawarerick** · 07-12-2016, 07:31 PM

I would pull the plugs and shoot in some crc if I didn't have any a little fogging oil and turn by hand but that is just my way.

**Robby321** · 07-12-2016, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by delawarerick

I would pull the plugs and shoot in some crc if I didn't have any a little fogging oil and turn by hand but that is just my way.

Yep..oil it up!

**JWTjr.** · 07-13-2016, 09:54 AM

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I'll tell you what...new impeller, thermostat, fuel lines, carb rebuild, fuel pump are all good steps to take. But on the other hand...just bought a 1972 Glastron GT140 as a fun little project for my girlfriend, came with a matching 1972 Evinrude 50. While we will be replacing this 50 with a 70 when we restore the boat this winter, we're going to run the 50 for the rest of this year just to give her some water time. So, we douched out the boat, shined it up, connected my shop battery and tank, and fired up the 50 on the hose. This engine started immediately and runs like new--but it's clear no one has ever had the gearcase off, powerhead and carbs have never been touched, the engine fuel lines and fuel line to the (original) 6-gallon tank is the original, now very hard and not pliable. We will replace these items, but it's amazing sometimes how these older engines, when cared for, will seemingly run forever.

**Bodhi** · 07-13-2016, 10:18 AM

Evinrude golden years, good find! As mentioned above, just send some oil into the cylinders and let those rings soak while doing the water pump and other maintenance. After that , fire it up and enjoy it for many years

**matty b** · 07-14-2016, 05:53 AM

Electric shift.... make sure to use PREMIUM BLEND gear oil. And be diligent about changing it annually.

**matty b** · 07-14-2016, 05:55 AM

Nevermind..... it's not electric shift. I'm an idiot.

**outasite** · 07-14-2016, 06:56 AM

Oil it up and fire it up,make sure it pumps water right away.Let it run a half hour or so to make sure the bearings are going to hold,and it runs ok.THEN pull the lower,put a pump in maybe a fuel pump diaphram and some hoses,and good to go!!

**boathouse** · 07-14-2016, 07:40 AM

Awesome.

Many thanks folks. Where might I find the m/n for the engine so i can get the right plugs for it?

**outasite** · 07-14-2016, 07:24 PM

Just replace plugs with the same # as the ones that were in it.

**Scream And Fly** · 07-14-2016, 07:47 PM

I think the advice given covers all bases here.

John, very cool Glastron, would love to see progress on your resto with it.

**Robby321** · 07-14-2016, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by outasite

Just replace plugs with the same # as the ones that were in it.

But cross ref and do NGK plugs, probably center electrode as not gap less.

And them old J Rudes? Have a 70's 2 hp Rude Mate, weighs 31 pounds, and WAY better than oars! Also 2 50's "Weedless 3 HP, Rude Belgium made, Johnny made here. Still purr like a kitten and I never have replaced impellers either one. Them old J Rudes are "forever" as built well, made to last.

**boathouse** · 07-18-2016, 03:44 PM

Got the boat. Gotta clean it up, but it's tight and sturdy so the bones are there for something great.

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Paint will be stripped and then sanded, then use an oxide primer followed by an epoxy paint.

Steering in the boat is shot, but I do have access to a simple twin pully system. Should I retro fit or just bite the bullet and get hydraulic?

Where should I be looking for parts?

The motor is a '79 55hp Evinrude based on cowl graphics. How much power is this thing able to supply electrically?
The goal is for it to comfortably run a tach, horn, bilge, navigation lights, 2 interior lights and be able to run a 2 socket USB charger in the dash.

Instead of wiring in speakers, I'm going to attach a soft rubber baseplate to the top of the dash and drill in a velco strap - Universal Bluetooth Speaker Dock. Then I can run a usb cord for a source/phone and a cord for the speaker.