What might have caused this?

[basenjib123]

My 1984 150 Evinrude seized up on me while running at 3/4 throttle. When I opened the cowling I found a quarter size hole in the lower block and part of a needle bearing & retainer laying in the bottom. Just wondering what may have caused this? I know somebody will probably say "old age" but I was hoping for more specifics. Thanks.

[lkhartwl]

no oil, overheat, age, ring faliure, any number of things. when was the LAST time you had the motor refreshed, rings, honed maybe a new piston or such?

[ChampioNman]

More than likely bearing failure after 23 years, wow that is pretty pitiful huh? . You can rebuild it or have it rebuilt cheaper than a new motor but that would be your choice. If one fails the rest aren't far behind.

[luvdmymerc]

"we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better, stronger,
faster". This is a quote from Oscar, spoken to the doctors as they are putting Col. Steve
Austin, the soon to be $6,000,000 man, back together. It applies to your outboard too.
You have the opportunity to make it better that it was when it was new. Did I mention it
is also a lot of FUN to do????

[basenjib123]

Thanks for the replies.

[pappastratos]

I read where not winterizing (fogging) a motor will eventually shorten the life of a motor. The rod bearings get a light rust, when you start using again, rust comes off but leaves pits in the bearings, over years, it eventually causes bearing failure.