1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

[shansar]

Motor has been running great, I let my Dad borrow it and I told him to mix gas/oil 32:1 when it should have been 50:1. The engine eventually quit on him and now I can't get it started. I bought new spark plugs and now I don't have a clue what to do next. I honestly have been reading everything I can find here and I can't seem to find the answer. I really appreciate any help I can get. Thank you so much in advance. <br />Dave

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

Dave, take the answer from "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy": Don't Panic! <br /><br />Ok, start with the obvious questions:<br /><br />1. Have you checked compression?<br /><br />2. Have you checked for a spark at the spark plugs?<br /><br />3. Have you checked that, if the answer to 2. is yes, the spark is big and meaty?<br /><br />3. If the answer to 2. and 3. is yes, have you checked that fuel is reaching the cylinders?<br /><br />Let us know what you have checked and what you haven't and we might be able to help a bit more.<br /><br />and "Don't panic"<br /><br />outboards only need three basic things: spark, fuel and air, just getting them in the right order can be difficult but that is one very simple engine so the problem should be simple..........famous last words

 

[itstippy]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

32:1 mix won't hurt your motor at all. You need to methodically troubleshoot your problem. How did the motor act for Dad before it quit on him? Did it "eventually quit on him" over the course of a day or a month? How it acted before it died tells volumes about what's gone wrong. <br />There are three areas to troubleshoot to find your problem: fuel, spark, and compression. Start with fuel. How old was the gas Dad was using and how old is the gas you're using now that it won't start?

 

[itstippy]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

Sorry Stan! You answered while I was keying. At 5:00AM!

 

[JB]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

Hi, Shansar.<br /><br />Go to Engine FAQs and do the troubleshooting there.<br /><br />Let us know what you find, and good luck.

 

[shansar]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

Man you guys are nice! Ok I am taking a deep breath. How do you check the compression? Yes I have checked for a spark and I have one. I actually had one before I replaced the spark plugs but I figured it couldn't hurt. <br />My Dad used it the day before to put the crab pots out and then the next day launched- it started right up he started to take off and it died and has yet to work since. <br />Thanks again for trying to help me I am just an elem. school teacher and not to bright to begin with. I really appreciate it. <br />Dave

 

[shansar]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

One more thing some of the gas was left over (old) in the tank from last year and I have been adding to that but I have ran it quite a bit this summer and it has been fine. <br />If I dump at all the gas and start over could that make a difference?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

Dave.... Checking compression is done by using a compression gauge, available at just about anywhere... automotive parts stores, Wal*Mart, K-Mart etc.<br /><br />However, on a low horsepower engine, you can pretty well tell the compression simply by pulling it over with the plug wires off.<br /><br />If you have compression and spark on both cylinders, the problem is usually fuel related.<br /><br />Did your dad have an empty tank and put in the oil before adding any gas? If so, raw oil would have went up the outlet line of the tank and would have found its way into the carburetor float chamber in a short amount of time.<br /><br />To check the above, remove the 7/16" hex head bolt at the bottom front of the float chamber and look at what exits there.<br /><br />If the flywheel has been off recently and was not torqued to factory specs, that would allow the flywheel key to shear. This results in the engine still having spark but at the wrong time (out of time). Let us know what you find.

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

Originally posted by itstippy:<br /> Sorry Stan! You answered while I was keying. At 5:00AM!

no sweat itstippy: it was 10.50am here <br /><br />I was wide awake

 

[JB]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

What did you find when you did the simple steps in the FAQ, Dave?

 

[shansar]

Re: 1968 18 hp Evinrude Fastwin can't get it started?

Well guys I didn't get a chance to follow all of your steps for a couple of days but then I finally got a chance tonight. Took off the spark plug wires and checked the compression, I actually gave it a few good pulls. Seemed fine to me there was a good spark in both. I put the wires back up and next pull she started! Man that was a great sound! I still have to go out and give her a good test but I sure do feel better. Now to you guys:<br />I can't even begin to thank you guys for your help. I have used this board twice and both times I got great help from GREAT GUYS. I really do appreciate you guys taking your time to help me and others as well. I couldn't have afforded to take the motor in and thanks to you guys I didn't need to! Anyways I could go on and on but as long as you guys know you really saved me and I think you are AWESOME! <br />Sincerely,<br />Dave