Old Outboard Maintenance Issue

[ScottCK]

I pulled my 1979 Evinrude 25 out of storage in my shop (20+ years) After doing some high level checks (fluid in the foot, compression, plugs) on the motor I gave her a pull. On the 5 pull she fired right up but was running a little rough and didn't want to stay running. I noticed the fuel pump was leaking and had planned on doing a carb job anyway so I was happy. Well I pulled the air box off and think I may have found the "issue", the air box was completely packed with this mouse storage as well. Honestly can't believe it started at all!! After cleaning up this mess and the rest of the carb and replacing the fuel pump, she started up and ran great. I did flip her over with a shop vac in the block to make sure there was no trash in the block but I am still a bit concerned that there may have been some trash I couldn't get to. Still need to replace the impeller but that is next weekend.

 

[Kim Ross]

I pulled my 1979 Evinrude 25 out of storage in my shop (20+ years) After doing some high level checks (fluid in the foot, compression, plugs) on the motor I gave her a pull. On the 5 pull she fired right up but was running a little rough and didn't want to stay running. I noticed the fuel pump was leaking and had planned on doing a carb job anyway so I was happy. Well I pulled the air box off and think I may have found the "issue", the air box was completely packed with this mouse storage as well. Honestly can't believe it started at all!! After cleaning up this mess and the rest of the carb and replacing the fuel pump, she started up and ran great. I did flip her over with a shop vac in the block to make sure there was no trash in the block but I am still a bit concerned that there may have been some trash I couldn't get to. Still need to replace the impeller but that is next weekend.View attachment 62572

When I bought my TDB Classic 14 with a 9.9 Johnson the carb intake and air box was completely filled with mouse nest. There was also an unmistakable mouse bouquet when I lifted the cockpit cover off the boat but only a little bit of damage to a corner of a blind panel. I think the boat and motor had been sitting for a decade in the late owner's garage. Mechanic sorted out the motor and I cleaned up the boat and everything has been fine since.