I’ve been lurking the forums for months now, mostly researching how I will modify the next boat I’m saving for that I plan to purchase next year. Until then, I’m stuck with my 1236 with a 1982 15hp Evinrude (model E15RCNC), which can be a challenge for 2 fat guys! Anyways, I’ve been having a ton of trouble out the 15hp Evinrude when out on the water. Here’s what I know about the motor. It was my dad’s and he purchased it new. It sat for about 20 years in a garage until about 2 months ago when I decided to get it going. I took the engine home and with fresh fuel it started on about the 5th pull and sounded good! I decided to do some preventative maintanence and replaced the water pump and housing, new spark plugs, replaced all gas hoses, cleaned/installed carb kit. I purchased new gas tank and line. It seemed to be running great after all preventative maintenance when at home using muffs. At home I can start the thing hot or cold with no problem, and I tested it like crazy this past Friday since I’d had issues on the water the last few outings.
On Saturday morning I went fishing, and like always it started up fine at the boat ramp. After running WOT after about 5 minutes the engine started sputtering, I made it my fishing hole, and the engine shut off, and wouldn’t start up for anything. I removed the spark plugs and the top plug was a little oily and the bottom plug had a little milky residue on it. I cleaned the spark plugs and I was able to start the motor up with a few pulls, but it sure ran rough and barely got me back to the boat ramp. When I got home again the bottom plug had milky residue on it.
After some research online it seems I may have a blown head gasket? I found a compression tester today top cylinder reads 70psi and the bottom reads 60. Would a blow head gasket give me these low compression readings or is that a piston/cylinder issue? I’ve never dove deep into any motors, sticking to mostly somewhat simple repairs and maintenance. What do you guys think?
On Saturday morning I went fishing, and like always it started up fine at the boat ramp. After running WOT after about 5 minutes the engine started sputtering, I made it my fishing hole, and the engine shut off, and wouldn’t start up for anything. I removed the spark plugs and the top plug was a little oily and the bottom plug had a little milky residue on it. I cleaned the spark plugs and I was able to start the motor up with a few pulls, but it sure ran rough and barely got me back to the boat ramp. When I got home again the bottom plug had milky residue on it.
After some research online it seems I may have a blown head gasket? I found a compression tester today top cylinder reads 70psi and the bottom reads 60. Would a blow head gasket give me these low compression readings or is that a piston/cylinder issue? I’ve never dove deep into any motors, sticking to mostly somewhat simple repairs and maintenance. What do you guys think?