Evinrude Service Bulletin 597 - Prevention of Starter Motor Failures

April 3, 1963. Evinrude explained causes of starter motor overheating on earlier engines and outlined checks and starting practices to prevent prolonged cranking.

Original Evinrude Motors blue Service Bulletin 597 letterhead
PREVENTION OF STARTER MOTOR FAILURES
Starter motor failures on pre-1963 engines, due to overheating, have been re- ported at infrequent intervals. This overheating may be caused by either an abnormally high current flow thru the starter motor for a short period of time or by prolonged starter motor use at normal current draw. This has not been a problem with 1963 model engines.
The first situation is, of course, caused by some major malfunction. It is readily recognized even by the layman, due to the reduced cranking speed of the starter motor.
The second situation is created by minor misadjustments of the engine or impro- per starting procedures. This condition can be eliminated or at least allevi- ated by proper maintenance and proper customer instruction on your part.
Here are a few items an owner should check in his prestarting procedure. These apply to any electric starting engine model.
1 - Check fuel supply. 2 - Check fuel line connections at engine and at fuel tank. 3 - Check position of automatic choke control lever, if engine is so equipped. (Note: It may be necessary to use the manual position wherever greater choking effect is required.) This position pro- vides greater spring loading on butterfly valves. 4 - Prime carburetor bowl. This is very important when engine has not been run for a day or more. 5 - Remote controls properly set - throttle - gear shift. 6 - Engage starter.
If engine does not start or fire within 10-20 seconds, cease starting procedure and check engine again. If several 10-20 second starting attempts are made with no results, the engine should be checked according to information in owner manual.
Repeated starter operation will cause no ill effects to starter as long as a reasonable cooling period is allowed between starting attempts; however, when starting is difficult and extremely long cranking periods are necessary, some form of service is indicated and should be performed as soon as possible to overcome the starting difficulty, no matter what model engine may be involved.
EVINRUDE MOTORS Richard Bayley Service Promotion Manager
Richard Bayley

Historical service note

This bulletin recommends stopping a starting attempt after 10-20 seconds if the engine has not fired, checking the engine before further attempts, and allowing reasonable starter cooling periods. It distinguishes abnormal current draw from extended cranking at normal current.