Re: [OMC-Boats] 1969 Evinrude Sportsman

Hi JF,

I'm in general agreement with the other list members (and your
mechanic): "If it ain't broke don't fix it." And whenever possible,
retain originality. But I also appreciate your desire to have a
reliable, turn-key boat that you can trust and enjoy. Having your
mechanic go thru the sterndrive is an excellent start and actually
this is becoming a lost art so you are lucky. Also you and your
mechanic should completely go through all the wiring and connectors
looking for any high-resistance or corroded terminals, as these will
reduce reliability and enjoyment. I'd also recommend installing a new
backup bilge pump, and better fuel filtration. Having the tank steam
cleaned and lined is also going to insure you aren't fighting fuel
varnish issues.

But I do find the subject of re-powering these 40-year old boating
wonders of interest. I "upgraded" my Buick V6 to a small block Chevy,
primarily because I boat at Alpine altitudes (7000 ft) near Park City,
Utah. I also use the boat almost exclusively for towing and
watersports duty at the National Ability Center for people with
disabilities.
The V8 restored the boats Sea Level performance characteristics. My V6
went to another high altitude OMC boat owner who displaced his 90 hp
V-4 (2-stroke) sterndrive.
So this was a great experience in recycle and re-using older
technology. You can review my project on http://hhscott.com/evinrude

1) You probably can get a lot of useful life out of the odd-fire Buick
with a fairly small investment. See what other operational symptoms
arise from the "apparent" low compression. My guess is your puppy will
"Straighten Up and Fly Right." The Buick is a nice engine. Nothin'
wrong with dancin' with the one you brung.

2) As far as "bolt-in" replacements? You could go with a re-
manufactured Buick 231(3.8L) or 252 (4.1L) even-fire V6. Manifolds,
flywheel and coupler and all ancillaries should transfer over from the
225 (3.7). Or just about any good machine shop out to be able to go
thru you existing Buick.

The newer Chevy 90-degree V6 family 200-229-262 is a possibility, as
OMC used the 229 and 262 in mechanical shift stringers but you would
most likely have to change out the intermediate and sterndrive as
well, because I don't think the manifolds will interface properly to
your present intermediate section. Moving up the V8 Chevy is probably
not easily going into your 1969 Sportsman, due to the construction and
integration of the top deck with the engine bulkhead which most likely
will require modification to accommodate the V-8's addition 4-inches
of length. Also you do have to avoid the newer Vortec Chevies because
it will be more difficult to match engine couplers without machine
work. Also the newer larger port heads will cause manifold matching
problems. And with boats, water-jacketed exhaust manifolds sort of
dictate where you head.

Just a word for safety -- always use marine rated carbs, flame
arrestors, fuel pumps starters, alternators, ignition systems, when re-
powering.

Hope this answers your questions.

lee shuster

On May 8, 2009, at 5:06 PM, J.F. Tucker wrote:

> 05/06/09
>
> Help please?
>
> I have been following along with many of your comments, and you seem
> to be quite familiar with Evinrude boats and OMC. Last summer I
> purchased a beautiful 1969 Evinrude Sportsman with the OMC split-
> fire V6 (in my earlier years I had two of these fabulous boats:
> 1966 120 hp Chevy II engine and a 1967 with the Buick V6).
>
> My recent purchase has been in indoor storage for the last 17
> years. Appearance wise, it is close to new. Before taking
> delivery, I had the outdrive completely gone through with new parts
> and seals by a professional, but thus far, I have done nothing to
> the engine. The marine mechanic who did the outdrive indicated he
> believes the boat engine is low hours, although one cylinder had low
> compression (probably due to sitting). His recommendation is to
> clean the gas tank, install a fuel filter, have the carburetor
> rebuilt, change the oil, install new spark plugs + new battery, and
> fire it up and see how she does.
>
> My dilemma is I do not have any appreciation for being left “high
> and dry” when something mechanical has problems: especially engines
> in boats, cars, and airplanes. It is now getting to be boating
> season, and I want to get her into the water.
>
> One of my thoughts was to simply pull this engine out and replace it
> with a newer V6 marine engine, but I want to make sure that I select
> the correct engine….one that is complete and will bolt right in
> without any modifications or complications. Thus far, I have not
> been able to locate any information regarding anyone who has taken
> on a similar project.
>
> Based on your obvious wisdom in this theater, I am hoping you can
> shed some light on the subject.
>
> J.F. Tucker
> Jtuck45@...
>
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Received on Monday, 11 May 2009