1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

[boat trouble 2]

Hello i have a 85 horse evenrude i tried to start it and it wouldnt run so i drained the gas tank and put in new fuel. and now it tries to start but just cant seem to start a stay running,just kinda sputters a little and dies .i checked and i dont think im getting gas to the passenger side spark plugs any ideas would be great.

I beleive it is a 1978

 

[jonesg]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Ok to start do a compression test.

If the compression is decent find the model number and order the factory manual.
www.outboardbooks.com

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

What makes you think it is not getting gas on the port side-are the plugs dry? How long has it been since the engine last ran well?

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Yes the spark plugs are dry and i took out all four plugs and cranked it over i could see a fog coming out of the drivers side but none on the other side.if i try to start it it will run for just a second or two and the one side will start to feel warm the other side cold.My freind ran a compression check and said it was good.Icant aford to take it to a boat shop im desperate for any help.

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Ok i have been working on it some more it seems like when i choke it the gas runs out the breather but dosnt seem to go through to the spark plugs.if i hold the throtle open and squirt fuil in it will try to start.could it just not be going through the carbarator.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

What kind of compresswion did you have? Have you checked fuel pump system? It sounds like the carbs may need to be overhauled. Do you have a manual for this engine? The manual helps solve a lot of problems.

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Im not sure what he said the compression was,i dont have a manul,and i dont know what the fuel pump system is or how to check it.I have worked on all kinds of motors but not boat motors .its my first boat and i am at a loss and to top it off now my wants me to get rid of it.If i dont get it running my boating days could be numberd lol.

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

I will settle for any guess at this point

thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Start by taking the float bowl drain plugs out one at a time and flushing the bowls by squeezing the primer bulb. Do all four plugs, but flush one at a time. Its good to have a rag under the carb while you work.

Once you have the motor running, it takes several minutes to empty the float bowls that you filled with the primer bulb. After that, the fuel pump should replenish the fuel in the bowls.

Make a visual check of the choke plates while you are cranking to be sure that they are 100% closed and staying closed while you crank; you have to take the air silencer cover off to see this and have someone else turn the key. The choke plates in both carburetors need to be perfectly synchronized as well.

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Ok i took off the carbs and cleaned them.When i had them off i cranked the motor over and it shot gas out the hose. If i take the two driver side plug wires off it will crank but woulnt do anything.If i put them back on and take the other side off it still trys to run its just like passenger side is dead .But the plugs all getting fire.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

You can put some premixed gas/oil into a spray bottle. Remove the aibox cover. When you have the engine running on the two starboard cyls, spray the gas/oil mix into the port carb throats. See if the engine will pick up rpm by ingesting and igniting this fuel spray. You need to determine if these two cylinders have any suction at all at the carb throats.

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

I will try, but it only runs just a second or so. i propt open the flaps in side the carbs with a screwdriver and it took off and ran strong for about 3 or 4 seconds then it acted like it ran out of fuel and died.Then i choked it and it went back to the put put for a second or two.how can i check the fuel pump but i think it is working good. one of the many times i took the carbs off and cleaned them i put one of the floats in upside down and their was gas running all out of the carb and when i choke it gas will run out the front of the carbs.when i crank the key it will fire instanly but just a put put put and die or just a one put and die.

I really appricate the help cause i am clueless i am to the point that i just stand their and look at it awhile then hit the key and hope lol.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

To make any engine run you need compression, which you say you have. Spark, Have you actually checked spark, jump 1/2 gap and bright blue. Timing, which should be OK as you have not mentioned removing flywheel or replacing any componets. The last thing needed is fuel. If I am thinking correctly you have two 2 barrel carbs on your engine, one for the top two cylinders and one for the bottom two cylinders. If the first three items check out OK, your problem is most likely the last, fuel. I think if compression and spark check out you have a carb problem.

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Ok i never checked the spark like that i will check it that way thanks

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Ok i checked it on the driverside it gets the blue spark on tha passenger top side it woulnt spark blue at a half inch ehow can i check the and see if it is power pack or coils thanks

 

[boat trouble 2]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

Ok i switched coils and power packs back and fourth i put them back where they was and now i have no spark at all on the passengers side.If i get another power pack and coils will any other kind work or does it have to be just for that motor. thanks

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1978 evnrude fuel only two two spark plugs

While many of the packs appear similar, the electrical connections changed over the years. You need to get the right one for your engine.