1959 35hp coughs and dies

[MichaelMullis]

Help, My 1959 35HP Seahorse started acting up this weekend. Started fine, left dock, about 2 miles up river it slowed to about 1/2 to 2/3 speed even though controls were still at WOT. Went about another mile upriver to fishing hole where I spent about 3 hours. Got ready to leave and motor would start, cough and pop then shut off.It would not run long enough to get into gear. Spent the next 3 hours drifting down river to dock (boy am I glad I went up river and not down). Pulled plugs, they were dirty and wet ( only 2 hours run time on these plugs. I also noticed that every time after motor shut off the primer bulb was soft. Did not find any leaks in any hoses. Will put new plugs in this afternoon and look over motor again. Any ideas of what else I need to look for. Motor has been running great for last 3-4 weeks, since I started fishing after winter. I run a 24-1 mix and gas is 2 weeks old.<br />Thanks<br />Michael

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1959 35hp coughs and dies

Check for closed or clogged fuel tank vent. Also, check fuel pick-up screen in the gas tank. If that's OK, Rebuild or at least dismantle and clean the carb. Sounds like float needle sticking open.

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: 1959 35hp coughs and dies

Thanks RB. I keep 2-6 gal. tanks in boat and did switch to diff. tank with same results. I think that maybe I picked up some trash causing Carb. problems, just not sure. I cleaned the old tanks in Jan. and found one to have a crack so I bought a new one with new fittings at wally world. Rinsed out with fresh gas and filled with new mix. Ran both tanks dry during feb. well as low as these plastic tanks will go. There always seem to be 1 -1.5 gal. still in tank when motor cuts off and I switch to fresh tank.<br />Thanks<br />Michael

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: 1959 35hp coughs and dies

Had Carb rebuilt, new plugs installed, runs great<br />Did find out that head was leaking, bolts were loose. Also found out that compression on both cylinders was 92. Is this so low that I need to go ahead and rebuild? The Mech. that looked at it for me said that if it was his he would not rebuild yet, since both cyl. were the same. What are thoughts from members, rebuild or run a while?<br />I also found that I had a problem with the new fuel line. Where the fitting hooks to motor it was loose and would suck air, I thought that it was the fitting on motor but Mech. installed a fitting he had and it fits tight. I guess, as the saying gos, you get what you pay for. I won't buy another one from wal mart. Any way, any thoughts on whether to rebuild or wait ?<br />Thanks <br />Michael

 

[alcan]

Re: 1959 35hp coughs and dies

Hi Baitkiller<br />Those after market fuel fittings are junk. I find that abot half to two thirds don't work. If you get lucky you can get one of the one third that does. Buy the time you get done buying three of them you figure it's just cheeper to go OEM. Where you purchess these after market fittings has nothing to do with the quality. As far as the overhauls goes, I agree with your mechanic. As long as she runs there is no need to mess with it. You may want to give the motor a decarb treatment. This may help or it may not. Worth a try though.

 

[rolmops]

Re: 1959 35hp coughs and dies

Hello Baitkiller.<br />Your mechanic is right about the rebuild.You can probably get a simular engine off ebay for less than a rebuild would cost.The compression is a bit low but she should be alright for a few seasons yet.

 

[rwise]

Re: 1959 35hp coughs and dies

Run it! as alcan said maybe try the decarb, did that on my 1958 59hp and it picked up about 10lbs on three and almost 15 on the other.<br />Richard