AQ 131 C will only run if throttle is continuously pumped. Carb help pls?

CaptainPtbo

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Aug 26, 2015
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I have an aprox. 1989 Aq131C (Solex carb) in a prowler bowrider. It has ran fine for years. This spring I put in some new ignition parts as PM, test started it on earmuffs, started right up and ran like a kitten.

I took it to the lake to water test, and it was difficult to start. Running poorly, wouldn't idle. It seemed like fuel starvation or bad gas? (it was stored with a full tank of fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer in).

Back out and to my driveway. I tried it on a remote tank with brand new gas to rule out bad gas, fuel filter, vent, gas tank problems. Still the same. Hard to start, will only run if the accelerator pump is continuously activated or starting fluid is sprayed in carb.

Tried cleaning/adjusting carb on the engine, no improvement. Pulled carb off (carefully - it's old) and did a maybe 80% disassembly? Some misc crud here and there, but no "smoking gun". Cleaned what I could with carb cleaner and compressed air, re-assembled, and still no change.

I can see gas coming out the accelerator pump when it is depressed, and I can also see fuel coming out of the jet in the middle of the carb as it runs very roughly.

Oddly enough even when it seems like I was seeing a lot of gas go down the throat of the carb, when I pulled the plugs they were bone dry?

I did my due diligence and checked spark compression etc. all good. It definitely seems like a fuel issue. I did put the low speed jet to the factory setting and tried it both ways from there, no real change.

I have the factory shop manuals.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, there no real good shops up here and parts are hard to come by.

Thank you!

J
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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You need to properly clean your carb
 

dennis461

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I have an aprox. 1989 Aq131C (Solex carb) in a prowler bowrider. It has ran fine for years.

...

Tried cleaning/adjusting carb on the engine, no improvement. Pulled carb off (carefully - it's old) and did a maybe 80% disassembly?...


I'll bet you need to get to the other 20%.
Are you aware there is a small barrel shaped screen inside the carb, smaller than a thimble?
It could be clogged, and you cannot buy a new one.

As for running fine for years, and your other work performed, neither is probably related to your current problem.
If the accelerator pump can keep the engine running, then you have a good working fuel pump, fuel filter, and float needle.
 

CaptainPtbo

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Aug 26, 2015
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Ok I just found the Solex rebuild and tuning manuals online I'll try and delve a little further into it. I'm just leery to open it up more then necessary, screw up a 25 year old gasket or similar, and be out the whole season due to un-obtainable parts :/ So I'm trying to start with the most likely suspects....ty
 

kenny nunez

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I was a Volvo dealer for over 32 years. One thing about them is they are designed to be serviced in remote places world wide. The gaskets will probably still be usable and you will find most of the problem in the bottom of the float bowl. Clean all screens as previously posted. It is a simple carberator and easy to service.
 

CaptainPtbo

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I was a Volvo dealer for over 32 years. One thing about them is they are designed to be serviced in remote places world wide. The gaskets will probably still be usable and you will find most of the problem in the bottom of the float bowl. Clean all screens as previously posted. It is a simple carberator and easy to service.

I did clean the float bowl, and you are right the gaskets were surprisingly good. Where are these screens that have been mentioned, I didn't come across them or see them in the shop manual...
 

dennis461

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Print out the picture from this link.
Draw a line from number 3 to number 10 (not part 3 and part 10)
Halfway along the line you see a part, bolt with hole through center, and a screen around it.
A I recall, my screen stayed inside the carb, so it was only after a couple-three seasons of cleaning before I saw it.

And yes be careful, I've had to heli-coil the fuel line banjo bolt hole!
Use stranded copper or steel wire of various sizes to clean out orifices.
If your's has a single jet adjustment screw, you could try turning it out another turn or more.


http://www.carburetor-parts.com/Exploded-View_ep_741.html
 

CaptainPtbo

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Aug 26, 2015
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Ok guys I'm going to have another go at the carb. Thanks for your help I'll keep you posted, long weekend coming up and I have big plans!

J
 

CaptainPtbo

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Aug 26, 2015
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Ok I completely stripped the carb. I borrowed an ultrasonic parts cleaner, ran everything through in batches. re-assembled. Working great! Thank you. The idle is a little off but I'll get that sorted. Next up a on the water test, but it seemed to run reat on the muffs. Thanks guys
 
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