1963 5.5 Evinrude fisherman idles dies when throttled

[EM3D]

Hello! This is my first post. I have been working on my 1963 5.5hp Evinrude Fisherman outboard. Added a new spring & pull rope in the starter. We replaced the gaskets & cleaned the carburator. New fuel filter. Replaced fuel pump. We had to use the old float needle(no spring) and screw because the pack I bought had the wrong thread for the carburator. We backed out the top needle 1.5 turns. 1. Do you back out the lower/bottom needle the same amount? It seems to be pumping water fine. Starts and idles, but dies when you throttle. 2.Is this a settings/dial (needle) issue or something else? I am planning on replacing the lower unit oil next. 3.If it's pumping water, I shouldn't need to check the impeller, correct? Thanks ahead for any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[racerone]

If your impeller fails you will destroy a fine motor.-----It has nothing on it to warn you or stop the motor should it overheat.-----Does spark jump a gap of 5/16" on a testing unit , yes or no ?-----It may be running on one cylinder.

 

[Tim Frank]

The impeller question will always start fights in here.
I ran O/Bs for 40 years before coming in here and never changed an impeller....with no issues.

But given the catastrophic potential in the event of a failure as pointed out in this forum, I now change any that are over 3 years old....Canadian boating season is shorter than most.
If you acquired this with no history, the prudent course would be to do a preventative R&R.

For carb settings, do a forum search for Joe Gibb's method. I think the lower needle on those is HS. If it is closed, that could account for your trouble.

 

[jimmbo]

When you say Throttle the engine, so you mean speeding it up, or slowing it down?

The High Speed Needle(lower one) has an initial setting of one turn out from LIGHTLY seated.

"&amp" ?

 

[racerone]

???-----Not all impellers have the same durability.-----Some have very short vanes that bend more than other designs.-----I have seen many failed impellers along with the sad faces of the owner when explaining the damage !!!!

 

[EM3D]

We don't have a testing unit, we did put new spark plugs on and all new hoses too. We're going by the manual & what I can find online. I saw too even check the impeller the entire head needs to come off?? Haven't dared attempt that yet. I bought it off a guy who said he got it from a friend. The caburator desperately needed new gaskets, new float, etc. So, it may still have the original impeller in it as far as I know. When I mentioned throttle, I meant speeding up from starting. So, I as I see, most of you recommend this as the next step, correct? There isn't a way to get at the impeller without taking the entire head off? Just learning about all this. I am working on uploading a couple videos on my profile if that helps. Thanks everyone!

 

[Tim Frank]

Removing the powerhead is not that difficult on that small engine.

The impeller R&R would be a very sound idea.

 

[racerone]

I have thought of running a shop where 10 folks bring their motor for repairs.-----Charge each one $ 8.99 / hr to coach and help them.----Has to beat $120 / hr to get pro help.