I'm brand new here...in fact, I'm a first time boat owner, 14' Alumacraft w/Evvie Fisherman 6. Trying to learn as I go. Forgive my ignorance. I see that there are some knowledgeable guys here, so I have a couple questions;<br /><br />The engine is newly "reconditioned", really clean, new components throughout, though I'm not sure what might've been neglected, if anything. The first time out the motor ran perfectly for over five hours. It didn't start on the first pull, but once started it ran all day. The second time out, it took several more pulls to start, and after a half hour run it quit, and God nor money would start it again. I pulled out the manual and ran through all the remedies suggested, but no fire...and my fingers are all blistered from yankin' the crap outta the pull starter.<br /><br />Any ideas as to what can go so terminally wrong? I checked everything that I could without tearing the whole assembly apart (I was in the middle of a lake), and "found" nothing out of the ordinary...<br /><br />Another question; Is there a converter kit to install an electric starter in these smaller, older engines? My Dad wants to borrow the boat, but at 74 he just doesn't have the stamina for an engine that demands at least 6 pulls...<br /><br />I appreciate any help you guys can give...
below.<br /><br />-----------------------------------<br />Depending on which carb you have, pick one of the following.<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)<br /><br />Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.<br /><br />Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8<br />turns, start to turn the S/S needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to<br />respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to<br />where the engine will just stay running.<br /><br />Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back<br />(sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4<br />turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.<br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustment, you will have no reason to move<br />them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you<br />would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.<br />--------------------------------------------------<br />(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)<br /><br />Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow<br />speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.<br /><br />Setting the high and low needle valves properly:<br /><br />NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no<br />NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low<br />speed needle valve adjustment.<br /><br />(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to<br />full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns,<br />start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the<br />engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that<br />point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the<br />smoothest setting.<br /><br />(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral.<br />Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few<br />seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase.<br />Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit<br />the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point,<br />back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed<br />setting.<br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move<br />them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you<br />would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.