Carb problem on 3hp lightwin

[MiBoat]

Hi I'm new here. I just bought a 1965 Evinrude 3hp lightwin. The guy that sold it to me told me it ran fine but had just started leaking gas from the carb that day. We took the carb apart, cleaned the needle, made sure the float floated and put it back together it still leaks gas. When I got it home I pulled on it and it ran for a few seconds but I had the gas off so it quit. Tonight I took it apart again and couldn't find anything dirty on the needle (all metal) and looked up in the seat and it seemed to be okay. I turned the float over so it would push the needle up more, when I put it back together it no longer leaked. It started for about 5-10 seconds but I didn't have the vent open and it quit. Now I can't get it to fire again. Any ideas? Now I'm not sure if it's getting fuel at all. I don't have any starting fluid right now. Is the lever a throttle or a magneto advance? What is the correct procedure to start the motor? Thanks for any advice you have. I'm eager to get this motor running, I have a 2hp yamaha and I hope this pushes the boat faster and in more style.

 

[DJ]

Re: Carb problem on 3hp lightwin

DO NOT USE STARTING FLUID.

The needle has a "packing" around it that keeps it from leaking. That packing comes in a carb. kit.

The needle needs to be seated-GENTLY then backed out about 1 and 1/2 turns, as a starting point.

Turn the fuel on and pull the choke out.

Set the throttle to 1/2 for starting.

 

[MiBoat]

Re: Carb problem on 3hp lightwin

Thanks for the quick reply and starting fluid warning. I was talking about the float needle, not the mixture needle. But you brought up a good point, I haven't looked at the mixture needle. Does the packing go around the mixture needle or the float needle? I just went out there again and put the mixture like you said and I can't get it to fire at all. I'm thinking I probably need to turn the float back the other way and maybe get a new float seat and needle to keep it from leaking?

 

[DJ]

Re: Carb problem on 3hp lightwin

I was speaking of the mixture needle. The packing looks like a washer but is soft.

If it is the original float (cork) replace it. The float can only work one way.

Do you have spark? If the coils are original, they can be troublesome. also, the points need to be set to .020"

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Carb problem on 3hp lightwin

The packing goes with the mixture screw, there's no packing on the float needle. A couple of things to check, remove fuel line at carb and open fuel shut-off valve. You should see a steady flow of fuel. Using a spray bottle, spray fuel MIX directly into the carb throat. If motor runs for a few seconds, you have a carb problem. Remove carb , soak in carb cleaner, followed with compressed air. Install carb rebuild kit.

Follow J. Reeves carb adjustment procedures.

Since this is a new to you motor, you'd be well advised to replace the water pump impeller too.

Your motor is easy to work on with simple tools and a service manual.

 

[MiBoat]

Re: Carb problem on 3hp lightwin

Thanks for the replies. I ended up taking the engine to a boat mechanic, They got it running but that and some other work I had them to it cost more than they said it would. Oh well. I look forward to the day I have more time and can work on these things myself. Thanks again.