pulling a plug wire off and dying out

[seakingbob]

I have a 40 hp and need help.When I pulled the bottom plug wire off with the motor running it ran.But when I pulled the top one off the motor died.Whats that mean ??? What would make it do this.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

It means it is only running on the top cylinder.

Check the spark at each lead and check the plugs (by swapping them over)

If the fault moves with the plug its a faulty plug.

If you do not get a good spark on one lead (the bottom one) then got to start looking for an ignition fault.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

Sorta going through the same thing with my 60hp. It meand the good cylinder can carry the load of the dead one, and then you when you pull the wire on the good cylinder it dies, mine has low compression in one cylinder and it barely can support itself is what it seems like. If you have a good spark then do a compression comparison.

 

[seakingbob]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

already did a compression test,both where good 140 top 150 bottom.
I just put 2 new plugs in her and the same thing happens.I checked the spark and both top and bottom look real good.Chould it be that the bottom isn't getting fuel to it ? Might just have to take it to someone.just don't have alot of money to fix it.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

You dont say what model / year but presumably has two carbs.

maybe no fuel getting to the bottom one maybe stuck float or needle valve or dirty needle valve but if it runs ok when the throttle is opened up probably just a dirty idle jet that needs cleaning.

 

[Rick.]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

If it has two carbs. you need to keep checking your compression as it will be going down on that starved cylinder. That was kind of an ugly way to say be very careful as if your right about no fuel then it won't be getting oil either. That sounded better. Try to spray some gas mix in the lower carb. and see if the bottom cylinder then fires. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

Year or model number, please. They've made 40 hp outboards for a long, long time. Some use a magneto, some use CDI. Some use another ignition system. Withough the year or model number, we can't offer a lot of help.

 

[seakingbob]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

It's a 1985 Model # E40ELCOB
I think I'm going to pull the bottom carb off this morning and try and clean it out.What do you think?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

I think you need to check the spark first to see if the engine is actually getting spark before you go tearin into a carb

 

[seakingbob]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

I just had the motor running and sparyed gas into the bottom carb,the motor picked up when I did this.Thats telling me the bottom carb isn't putting gas into the bottom cylinder.Think it's clogged up

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

Outboard carbs are like wheel bearings on your car. If you do one you should do them both. that way you know they are both good to go. my advice is to get the kits and rebuild them both, or at least clean them both.

 

[seakingbob]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

Well,what it comes down to is I'm pulling off both carbs and bring them to a local boat shop and having them both rebuilt.It's better to pay 2 hours labor plus parts and have them done right.Keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck

 

[seakingbob]

Re: pulling a plug wire off and dying out

Just to let you all know that helped me out.I pulled both carbs and took them apart one at a time and soaked and put a rebuild kit into them.the motor runs mint now.Its amazing how a little bit of dirt in the carbs could make such a big difference.I guess I'm off to the next task and doing the water pump.Wish me luck