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Evinrude 6Hp 2 stroke Specs
| Engine Model: Evinrude 6 Hp 2 stroke |
| Engine Type: 2-stroke single-cylinder gasoline outboard engine |
| Total Displacement: 7.5 cu.in (123 cc) |
| Rated Engine Power: 6 Hp (4.4 kW) at 6000 rpm |
| Fuel System: Carburetor |
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| General Technical Data |
The Evinrude 6 hp outboard is widely recognized
as a dependable and smooth-running power source for small boats,
dinghies, and auxiliary power. Its design prioritizes ease of use and
portability without compromising on essential features. Operators
benefit from a fast-idle choke system that ensures quick and effortless
starting, even in cooler conditions.
The engine is engineered for straightforward operation, typically
featuring a tiller handle for steering and control. Compact and
lightweight, it incorporates practical elements such as an integral fuel
tank and a flow-through propeller that contributes to quieter running on
the water. For boaters seeking a reliable motor for a 12-foot dinghy or
as a kicker for a larger vessel, this model offers a balance of
performance and maneuverability.
The Evinrude 6hp outboard is built around a fundamental 1-cylinder,
2-stroke powerhead. Its design philosophy centers on simplicity and
efficiency, making it a straightforward engine to operate and maintain.
The engine's compact displacement is tuned to deliver its rated power
across a broad RPM range, providing ample thrust for planing small craft
under moderate loads.
Engine Type: 1-Cylinder, 2-Stroke
Power: 6 HP
Displacement: 7.5 cu in (123 cc)
Bore x Stroke: 2.32 in x 1.77 in (59 mm x 45 mm)
Full Throttle RPM Range: 5000-6000 RPM
Fuel Induction System: Carbureted
Starting System: Rope (Manual)
Steering System: Tiller
Gear Ratio: 2.15:1
Shaft Length Options: 15 in (Model E6RG4), 20 in (Model E6RGL4)
| Powerhead |
The heart of the Evinrude 6hp is its single-cylinder powerhead. The cylinder block is an aluminum casting, chosen for its light weight and effective heat dissipation. The bore has a finished diameter of 2.32 inches (59 mm), and the piston is connected to the crankshaft to provide a stroke of 1.77 inches (45 mm), resulting in a total displacement of 7.5 cubic inches (123 cc).
As a 2-stroke engine, it does not use mechanical valves.Instead, it relies on a reed valve assembly located between the carburetor and the crankcase. These one-way reed petals open and close in response to pressure changes within the crankcase, controlling the intake of the air-fuel mixture and preventing it from being pushed back out through the carburetor. This system is fundamental to the 2-stroke cycle, simplifying the engine's construction and contributing to its light weight.
| Fuel System |
The fuel system is designed for simplicity and reliability. The primary component is a carburetor that meters and atomizes the fuel mixture. The engine features an integral fuel tank, allowing for operation without connecting to an external tank for short trips. For extended use, many models also include a connection for a remote fuel tank.
The engine operates on a 50:1 fuel mix ratio, which requires mixing 87 octane gasoline with 2-stroke outboard oil. A fast-idle choke system is integrated into the carburetor design to enrich the fuel mixture for cold starts, ensuring the engine fires up quickly and runs smoothly until it reaches operating temperature.
| Lubrication System |
As a 2-stroke engine, the Evinrude 6 hp does not have a separate, pressurized oil sump like a 4-stroke. Lubrication is achieved by mixing the oil directly with the fuel. The oil in the fuel mixture lubricates the crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, piston, and cylinder wall as it passes through the crankcase and combustion chamber.
The recommended oil is Evinrude/Johnson 5W40 Ultra 4-Stroke Oil, although this appears to be a specification for later models; for engines requiring pre-mix, a high-quality TC-W3 certified 2-stroke outboard oil is the standard choice.
The oil tank, which for some models refers to the pre-mix container or an integral tank for oil injection on specific variants, has a capacity of 15 fl oz (450 ml). The 50:1 fuel-oil ratio is critical for engine longevity, as insufficient oil will lead to rapid wear and seizure, while too much oil can cause fouled spark plugs and excessive smoke.
| Cooling System |
The engine employs a water-cooled system to manage operating temperatures. A rubber-impeller water pump, located in the lower unit, is driven by the driveshaft. When the engine is running, the pump draws water from the surrounding body of water through an inlet in the gearcase. This water is then circulated through water jackets within the cylinder block and powerhead to absorb heat.
After circulating, the warm water is exhausted through a tell-tale port or overboard indicator, providing a visual confirmation to the operator that the cooling system is functioning correctly. The impeller is a wear item that requires periodic replacement to prevent overheating and potential powerhead damage.
| Mid Section and Lower Unit |
The mid section, or driveshaft housing, connects the powerhead to the
lower unit and houses the exhaust tube and the vertical driveshaft. The
lower unit contains the gearcase, which holds the final drive gears and
the water pump. It is filled with gearcase lubricant, which should be
checked and changed periodically to ensure longevity of the gears and
bearings.
The lower unit on this model is designed for straightforward removal for
water pump service. The shift shaft on the 6hp model features a
connector at the gearcase parting line that can be unbolted, allowing
the gearcase to be dropped down after removing the mounting bolts. A
critical specification for maintenance is the propeller nut, which must
be tightened to 70-80 lb-ft (95-109 Nm) to secure the propeller
properly. Gearcase Lubricant: HPF PRO gearcase lubricant or equivalent.
| Trim and Tilt System |
The trim and tilt system on the Evinrude 6hp is entirely manual,
reflecting its design as a portable outboard. There is no hydraulic or
electric power trim and tilt. Instead, the operator manually adjusts the
engine's angle relative to the transom using a tilt pin or a series of
adjustment holes in the mounting bracket.
This allows the user to select from a few fixed positions to optimize
the boat's attitude for different load and water conditions. A tilt
support lever is provided to hold the engine in a tilted position out of
the water for beaching, mooring, or trailering.
| Propeller Information |
Propeller selection is critical for achieving optimal engine
performance. The correct propeller allows the engine to operate within
its designated full-throttle RPM range of 5000-6000 RPM when the boat is
under a normal load. A propeller with too much pitch will overload the
engine, preventing it from reaching its proper RPM range, which can lead
to power loss and potential engine damage from being lugged.
Conversely, a propeller with too little pitch will allow the engine to
exceed its maximum recommended RPM, causing overspeed damage. The
Evinrude 6 hp uses a propeller system that includes a thrust bushing, a
washer, and a castellated nut secured with a new cotter pin. The
specific propeller size (diameter and pitch) can vary depending on the
boat application and load, and consulting an Evinrude/Johnson Genuine
Parts and Accessories catalog is recommended for selecting the correct
propeller for a specific need.
Propeller Hardware Torque: 9 ft. lbs. (12 Nm) for the propeller nut
during installation, before installing the cotter pin.
| Dimensions and Weight |
Weight (Dry):
Model E6RG4 (15" shaft): 55 lbs (25 kg)
Model E6RGL4 (20" shaft): 57 lbs (26 kg)
Shaft Length:
15 in (381 mm) for Model E6RG4
20 in (508 mm) for Model E6RGL4
| Maintenance Data |
Consistent maintenance is essential for the reliability and longevity of
the Evinrude 6 hp. Key maintenance tasks include preparing the engine
according to pre-delivery and pre-start-up checks, which involve
verifying proper lubrication and fuel supply. The gearcase lubricant
level should be checked periodically, ensuring it is even with the
bottom of the fill hole.
The water pump impeller requires regular inspection and replacement to
prevent cooling system failures. During operation, a steady stream of
water from the overboard indicator confirms the water pump is working.
Following a proper break-in procedure for a new or rebuilt powerhead is
vital.
This involves running the engine at varying speeds below certain RPM
thresholds for the first several hours of operation to allow internal
components to seat properly. For pre-1980 models, it is important to
note that Hp was often rated at the powerhead, whereas later models are
rated at the propeller, which can affect perceived performance.
Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane
Recommended Oil (for pre-mix): TC-W3 certified 2-stroke outboard oil at
a 50:1 ratio
Recommended Oil (for specific models): Evinrude/Johnson 5W40 Ultra
4-Stroke Oil
Break-in Procedure: Initial 10 minutes at idle; next 50 minutes below
3000 RPM with varying speeds; subsequent hours with brief full-throttle
runs followed by cooling periods below 4000 RPM.
| Tightening Torques |
Cylinder head bolts often require a multi-step process to ensure even
clamping force and a proper seal. The sequence for these bolts follows a
circular pattern, starting from the center and working outwards, and
they should be re-torqued after the engine has been run and reached
operating temperature for the first time.
Head Bolts: 10-15 lb-ft, then to a final torque of 25-30 lb-ft
Propeller Nut: 70-80 lb-ft (95-109 Nm)
Trim/Tilt Reservoir Filler Cap: 132 in. lbs. (15 Nm)
Propeller Installation Nut: 9 ft. lbs. (12 Nm) (initial assembly before
cotter pin installation)
Pivot Adjust Nut: 7 lb-ft (10 Nm)
| Boat Applications |
The Evinrude 6 hp is a versatile power source suited for a wide variety
of small craft. Its primary applications include powering small
dinghies, inflatable boats, and lightweight fishing boats or jon boats.
It is also popular as an auxiliary or "kicker" motor for larger
sailboats or power cruisers, providing reliable emergency power and
precise maneuvering in harbors and no-wake zones. The engine is capable
of planing a small 12-foot rowboat with a single occupant, making it
suitable for solo fishing trips or quick runs ashore.
For a 14-foot boat with heavier loads, a more powerful engine might be
necessary to achieve planing speeds, as the 6 hp may be limited to
displacement speeds in such applications. The choice between a 15-inch
and 20-inch shaft model is dictated by the boat's transom height,
ensuring the engine is mounted at the correct depth for optimal
performance and cavitation prevention.
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