Re: 1953/54 Evinrude Fastwin won't stay running
I concur - get the carb kit and rebuild the carb. VERY rare that carbs wear out.
The carb needles do not need to be exact to start up the motor. 1.5 turns on the low speed and 3/4 turn on the high speed are starting points. The motor WILL run at those settings if the carb is otherwise clean and in good shape. Once you get it started, you can adjust from there. It is likely both needles will end up a bit closed from those points. ONLY when you get the carb dialed in will you loosen the center screw and reset the knobs to "3" position, without moving the needles themselves. With both set at 3 you will readily know if they're being fussed with by anyone else...