1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

[jpcjpc88]

Hi I am a new boater and new to this site. I just recently purchased a 1989 Larson dc184 with a 1989 evinrude 150. It starts right up but when I take out on water and give throttle it doesnt want to go. I removed the cowling and tried again and it ran nice i was going 30mph at 3/4 throttle. So I knew there was problem and took boat in. Today I took to mechanic "Eagle Marine" delray beach,FL. The mechanic did a quick diagnostic check and said my compression was low around 70 each cylinder. Then he did a drop test and he said I am only running on about 3 cylinders out of 6. They recommended that i have the carbs rebuilt. Any opinions are greatly appreciated. I dont understand why it would bogg when cowling is on but go fast when off. Also the mechanic said i had no exhaust leak just to rule that out. Person who sold me boat lied to me and said that the engine was just serviced and runs great. Live and learn i guess. I have appt to have carbs rebuilt and a tune up in a week but figured I would check forum see if any one can help. Thanks.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Although the comp. is on the low side it is within spec--I think 68 is the min. and being they are all at 70 that is even better. It sounds
as if you have a problem getting proper airflow or air/fuel mixture. Have you checked/changed the air inlet-that would be the easiest thing to start with? I have read some posts on the site that has some very good diagnostic checks you can do yourself to point you in a good
direction. Good luck.

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

I think the mechanic checked the air inlet. He suggested carb rebuild. The only thing that scares me is when he pulled the plug wires only 3 of the cylinders reacted and the others did nothing no sound change in engine.

 

[KDAVID1]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

that would be a fire problem. Not sure what type of ignition control it has but could be as simple as bad plug wires but could be with the black box or what ever controls the spark. Again these are ballpark idea's but you could be dealing with the carbs and ignition issues.

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Thanks hopefully it isnt a serious problem. I have to wait a week till mechanic can start working on it. Its unbelieveable how backed up the boat mechanics in my area are...most would even look at it for 14 days.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

You've been told that you only have spark on 3 of 6 cyls. That could be your running problem. Knowing that the ignition is a problem, is there a reason why you are rebuilding the carbs instead? I'd address the ignition problem first and then test run the engine in the lake. The compression on the engine is low, based on your current readings. I'd double check them with another gauge, making sure the plugs are all out of the engine during the test and that the starter is at normal cranking speed (with a strong battery.) If you have not done so, I'd decarb the engine and see if the compression readings come up any. That engine does have low compression heads, if it is a basic 150 model. The 150S models run somewhat higher compression. Post your model number off the serial plate.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Reading from the top and down, a few comments.
I would not worry too much about compression as long as it reasonable even which it looks like.
When you say it runs on 3 cyls mainly, if it is bankwise - most likely the power pack and not the carbs.
Rebuilding the carbs will give good money for the workshop, but probably no result for you.
That engine has 3 carbs, each serving 2 cylinders. They have common float bowls, but individual channels and jets for each cylinder. Not very likely that in all carbs, same side of the carb should be clogged up when the fuel comes from same float bowl???
Watch your money and that work shop.
Any reputable shop would check out what may be checked, like ignition issues before starting tearing down and throwing away a customers money. One new powerpack cost less than one carb rebuild depending on labor charge!
Have the mech check out for double firing and sparks before anything else.
Added:
The exhaust leak might be up from the shift rod due to a damaged big rubber seal between gearcase and leg.

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

The serial plate is not on the engine the mechanic looked for it. He said there was no visable exhaust leak he said if there were exhaust leak you would see smoke. He sprayed carb cleaner and then tested compression with plugs removed. The cylinders that werent firing were not in any order i dont think. It was like 1 3 and 5 but im not exactly sure. The mechanic said rebuild carbs because it could be clogged not allowing fuel to the certain cylinders. I dont know many mechanics in south florida and all that i called had 2 week waits.

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Just called mechanic and asked why rebuild carbs he said ignition is fine i have spark all cylinders just im not getting gas on 3 of them therefore its running on 3 cylinders. So carb rebuild is his suggestion

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Does that sound like the correct route to go? Thanks everyone

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Bump

 

[clanton]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

How does he know that the engine has spark on all six cylinders? Did he use a spark tester?
What about shift switch, this switch kills 3 cylinders if it sticks.
Bad sparkplug wire ends will cause spark to jump to cowling, and cause a misfire.

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

He tested each wire with a tester. he never mentioned a shift switch. He did say that the plug wires looked liked they werent in the greatest shape. he did a drop test by pulling the wire and 3 of the cylinders werent contributing he said. I watched him pull each one and 3 the engine rpm changed a lot but other 3 no difference in rpm change. it was one on one side and 2 on other not all one side dont know if that means anything, Thank you

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Haffiman has a good comment. Since the two barrel carbs share the same bowls, it's unlikely that the same side of each of the 3 carbs won't flow fuel. Seems very odd. Your description just above would indicate to me that spark is an issue on that engine-requiring your priority attention first. I'd check the spark with an inductive timing light. If you dont' have one, borrow/rent one-it will take you five minutes to check for spark on all 6 plugwires. Resolve the spark issue first, then go on to the carbs-if necessary.

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Haffiman has a good comment. Since the two barrel carbs share the same bowls, it's unlikely that the same side of each of the 3 carbs won't flow fuel. Seems very odd. Your description just above would indicate to me that spark is an issue on that engine-requiring your priority attention first. I'd check the spark with an inductive timing light. If you dont' have one, borrow/rent one-it will take you five minutes to check for spark on all 6 plugwires. Resolve the spark issue first, then go on to the carbs-if necessary.

He checked the spark there is spark to all cylinders. And maybe you guys are mis understandng a little sorry its hard for me to explain exact because i am new to boating world. The cylinders are not contributing he said..and they arent all on same side.

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

The mechanic clipped a tool onto each wire one at a time im assuming he was checking spark. He said there is no ignition problem the diagnostics he did pointed toward fuel issue. I am hoping this is an honest mechanic he seemed very nice and gave me a lot of information. Has anyone used eagle marine in delray beach,fl are people that dishonest they would tell me to do something that doesnt need to be done. They have been is business for 20 years or more

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

It may be spark, but is it at the correct time?
Flywheel has to be marked up with each cylinder at TDC, then by timing light verifying that each cylinder is firing when it should and ONLY when it should. NO double firing. (You can see two marks when timing light pickup is on one cylinder).

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

It may be spark, but is it at the correct time?
Flywheel has to be marked up with each cylinder at TDC, then by timing light verifying that each cylinder is firing when it should and ONLY when it should. NO double firing. (You can see two marks when timing light pickup is on one cylinder).

I dont think he checked timing he did bunch of diagnostics prob 30 min he spent checking this and that. Im no outboard mechanic thats why i took to one i am just taking his word that i need carbs rebuilt but wanted to check with forum to see what people thought. I dont want to get ripped off but where can i turn you know..all i know is i got motor and it has been sluggish since i first got it and really opened it up. The weirdest part is why with the cowling off the engine went but when put back on it wouldnt go 6mph? It worked with cowling on first cple times i took out but always felt kind of sluggish at high rpm and it seemed to gradually increase in speed. When cowling was off it had much more torque than i ever felt and planed out much quicker.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Your last post might indicate two possible problems.
1: Exhaust leak into the carbs. That may come from a leaking gasket on the engine or between engine and exhaust collector.
2. A 'common' problem on those engines. Sparkplug wires are bad, or not properly clamped to the cylinder heads. When the cowling is put on, sparks jumps to the cowling latches at the back and drops the cylinders. One thing you loose the cylinder, another is that you may even 'loose' your powerpack!!

 

[jpcjpc88]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 150 having problems

Your last post might indicate two possible problems.
1: Exhaust leak into the carbs. That may come from a leaking gasket on the engine or between engine and exhaust collector.
2. A 'common' problem on those engines. Sparkplug wires are bad, or not properly clamped to the cylinder heads. When the cowling is put on, sparks jumps to the cowling latches at the back and drops the cylinders. One thing you loose the cylinder, another is that you may even 'loose' your powerpack!!

So would it be a good idea that i have them rebuild carbs would they be able to see the seal your talking about when they work on my engine. Im sure i can replace the wires after they do my carbs..i just feel like the carb rebuild should be done because then it will be all syncd and linked. They havent started working on engine yet not until next wednesday. The mechanic suggested carb rebuild after he did all the diagnostic tests. How can i be sure my carbs dont need to be rebuilt? From what the mechanic said that is where he wants to start. Thanks for helping this is stressful as i just got boat and havent been able to use but cple times and last time it would even go with cowling on.