Review of OMC Outboard Comprehensive Servicing Course

All OMC Outboards Evinrude and Johnson should have an Outboard Model Identification decal located on the swivel bracket on the port side. All models 1980-1998 will have a nine-character identification number.

Example: VE70TLEDA

**

To determine the year built we use the following:

* *

I N T R O D U C E S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

This would make the above model number a 1996 engine. Here are a few examples: CS=80, CR=84, ES=90, ER=94, EO=95, ED=96, EU=97.

The remainder of the letters and numbers in the above model number represent: V= Model Variation, E= Style, 70= Horsepower, T= Design Feature, L= Length, ED= Year built, A= Model run. For an exact breakdown of these please refer to an OMC service manual for the parctiular year of interest.

The model Years 1999 and newer use the same method of year determination, however the model number only has eight characters the model variation is no longer applied, the remainder are the same as above.

The following is information found on OMC Bulletin # 2328 and pertain to an outboard powerhead failure.

Use these points to help gather information and identify the exact cause after a powerhead has been reported as failing.

  1. Question the assured. What were the operating conditions when the failure occurred Fast? Slow? Just fueled up? Just out of storage?
  1. Was the outboard properly winterized? Was the fuel treated before storage?
  1. VRO equipped (oil injected): Was outboard using excessive oil? Was there a fuel line air leak or restriction in fuel line?
  1. Verify motor installation height is correct.
  1. Verify the correct spark plugs were used.
  1. Inspect carburetors for debris. Inspect for incorrect or mismatched parts such as jets and gaskets.
  1. 2-Cycle: Verify no water or fuel in oil tank, all lines and connections are in good condition and not pinched.
  1. FFI (fuel injected) equipped: Verify that the oil hoses are attached to correct powerhead oil lines.
  1. Any indication of overheating? Check for dull powerhead paint, melted wires, or stuck thermostats.
  1. Are flywheel magnets secure? Are sensor magnets loose or damaged?
  1. Are cylinders rusty or brown in color? Check for cold idle, lack of proper storage procedure, or water ingestion.
  1. 4-Cycle: Was break-in lubricant changed at 20hours? Was new filter and OMC ultra 4-stroke oil used?
  1. 2-Cycle: Is there excessive carbon on pistons, stuck rings? Was TC-W3 oil used? What type of oil was used?
  1. 2-Cycle (Except FFI): If only some cylinders are scored, the problem is not oil related. Check for incorrect spark plugs, timing, water ingestion, carburetor blockage, or excess carbon.
  1. FFI equipped: If only some of the cylinders are scored, test oil system, See OMC Manual – Section 8. Check for incorrect spark plugs, water ingestion, or excess carbon.
  1. 2-Cycle: Are the crankshaft bearing surfaces oily or are they dry and discolored? Dry indicates an oil related failure.

When a powerhead has been replaced in the service shop there are several precautions that must be made to ensure that a failure will not occur again. A proper break in procedure must be made, 20 hr check must be made, replace water pump impeller, rebuild carburetors, check all hoses make sure they are undamaged and free and clear, proper linkage adjustments and timing procedures, test oil injecting system to ensure is working properly, mark oil tank to ensure engine is using oil.

All outboards from 1984 to present that are equipped with an oil injection system have a warning system to alert the operator when the engine is operating without oil. The older model uses a horn system that will buzz with a series of beeps when running low on oil. The newer models have a light built into the tachometer that will light and sound when low on oil.

The tank used for the OMC oil injection is not a sealed tank and if not properly installed water can enter the tank. The tank location should be checked and an oil sample should be taken if water ingestion is the suspect cause of a powerhead failure. Remember water will settle on the bottom of the oil tank and a turkey baster may make a good tool for retaining the oil.

Joe Landen