New to forum and have an Evinrude question

[Mudsport96]

Hey all, I recently acquired a 1986 Aries 176 with a 115hp Evinrude. It was completely gone through last fall and is in basically brand new condition.
I am wondering if this particular engine is octane picky. Does it "like" 89 or 92? Or will it get by on regular old 87?
Also, what 2 stroke mix does an old 80s Evinrude need? The new fancy synthetic or any old mix oil?
I do know that the mix is 50:1 and it has a 25 gallon tank so if I mathed halfway correctly, it should be 64oz oil to 25 gallons of fuel. The VRO has been disabled since the 80s. I know the original owner (father-in-law)so I can get any paperwork he can find on it.

[Mudsport96]

Another thing. I am new to 2 strokes... other than my chainsaw. So what should I look for rpm-wise? 5500ish for cruise? I don't know the prop specs yet as I haven't looked that far into it.

[Bighare2]

The oil gas mix is 50:1. 6 gal gas and 16oz oil. Use a TC-w3 oil certified oil. Mineral based oil is fine but it will smoke a little more. If you use a semi synthetic blend there will be a little less smoke. You get what you pay for.
use 87 octane gas up to 10% ethanol. DO NOT USE E85.
you did not list the year of the engine. Presuming a 1986 then the wot is 4500-5500 rpm

[mactlman]

don't mix up too much gas at once better to keep it turning over as much as possible keep it fresh 1/2 tanks or so

[Mudsport96]

Bighare, it is titled as a 1986 boat sold in July of 85. I haven't looked for numbers on the engine itself, so as far as I know it is an Evinrude made in 85. Absolutely no E85 going in this. I have a good amount of experience with it as a race fuel in automotive applications. But as far as I know, it is "too dry" for two stroke use.
Mactlman, yeah the first trip out will probably be a half tank to just get a feel for the boat and see how it does fuel economy wise. Worst case I can drain it for the saws and weedeater lol.

[Bighare2]

E85 will eat up the rubber fuel system parts.

[Mudsport96]

I'm just going to keep this thread going as it is the same outboard.
Model number E115TLCO evinrude 115
So was told the engine was gone through last fall. And while I know the PO I don't think it was gone through.

It does have new champions in it that are the correct plugs. But, the wires look original to the 80s to me. What do you guys think?
20240523_165105.jpg20240523_170604.jpg
I got them cleaned up to shiny metal and think that will clear up the miss and stall at idle. If so then I will get new wires and put them on. Will automotive wire ends work on these terminals? I have many left from my drag racing days that I could use if they would work.

[mactlman]

looks old school to me in pics!! I have found outboards have solid wires at times (not stranded noise reducing wire) but other then the end connectors are basically the same. i did a merc once and had to make the wire from a kit but was simple to do also

[Mudsport96]

looks old school to me in pics!! I have found outboards have solid wires at times (not stranded noise reducing wire) but other then the end connectors are basically the same. i did a merc once and had to make the wire from a kit but was simple to do also

The wire is definitely Prestolite wires with a braided steel wire core

[mactlman]

The wire is definitely Prestolite wires with a braided steel wire core

jegs or summit might have wires if no one else seems to have them??

[Mudsport96]

Well I took her out for her maiden voyage today.

1. She is COLD BLOODED for sure. Idle for 5 minutes and maybe 30 percent throttle for another 3 before you can even try full throttle.
2. Once she is warm though, she moves pretty good. And smoke goes away to the point you can only tell she's is a two stroke by the sound. ( yes it is mixed 50:1)
3. Man is this thing thirsty. Granted it was 80% wide open and 20 cruising. But if my gauge is correct I used about 7 gallons for 12 miles. That sound about right for a bass boat?
Oh and 4. With a 13.25x17 aluminum prop, it will do 52 with just me and 47 with me and a friend at 5000 give or take if the tach is 100% correct

[bassfisher444]

Regular 87 is fine along with an TCW3 rated 2 stroke oil, I use Pennzoil XLF in everything since it doesn't cost as much and is great oil. Its a good Idea to use an ethanol fuel treatment in every tank as well.