Reply To: Evinrude 28 HP SPL miscellaneous market and model questions

[Don]

OK, well these engines were targeted towards economy minded buyers.  Like you say, the 28SPL was only available in long shaft with electric start.  I’m confused about your comment about no clamp screws, it should indeed have clamp screws!  Post a picture or two of what you have.  The 28SPL is pretty much the 30hp, they just called it a 28 to differentiate it from the 30hp.  These are great engines, nothing wrong with the clam shell gearcase.  It has a decent ball spring clutch dog set up, so gear jumping should not be an issue.  This engine is definitely not designed for sailboat use.   This is not a commercial model either.    Boat builders may have used these models for lower price package rigs as well.  The “S” after the first “E” just denotes a “special model” to help differentiate it from the 30hp model numbers.

These were great engines, but all the usual advice about using in salt water applies.  Get that gearcase and extension off early on for service and lube up all the screws, especially that long stud that goes through the extension housing.  1996 was the first year for the “system check” wiring and waring system.  Yours may have the harness to convert it back to the old style (red plug) wiring, which is fine for this engine….This engine only has one warning/fault connected to the warning horn:  overheat.  So, if the horn goes off, it is overheated..The horn should “self test/beep” every time the key is turn on though to confirm it is functioning.  This engine, like the 30hp only has about a 4amp alternator, so don’t expect much output to keep a lot of accessories running.   OMC never offered a power tilt accessory for any of these models, but you can get them aftermarket.