2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

steviecops

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
585
Hi<br />I've got a 1978 2hp Evinrude that I'm having problems with.<br /><br />I've stripped the carb and cleaned with carb cleaner and OMC engine tuner, then blown out all passages with compressed air. Replaced the float valve assembly and needle valve packing. All the other gaskets look O.K.<br /><br />I'm getting a very healthy spark, and I've checked the pick up synchronization. I've also emptied and cleaned out the fuel tank and added fresh fuel. I've replaced the fuel line between tank and carb, and put a new spark plug in.<br /><br />I've adjusted the high and low speed needle valves as per the manual. The engine will start after many pulls on the rope, sometimes with choke, sometimes without, sometimes at full throttle, sometimes not. It's all a mtter of trying different settings until it starts.<br /><br />Anyway, once it is running, I try to set the needle valves to get it idling right, but the engine won't stay runing, or it will seem to be runing fine, then fail to start at the next attempt! It's driving me mad :mad: <br /><br />Should I fit a complete new carb kit? Would that make a difference?<br /><br />Also, it seems to run hot sometimes, and not others! I've checked the impeller and had the powerhead, exhaust cover and cylinder head off to check water passages are open. All seems fine, although the spray out of the holes in the driveshaft housing sometimes stops!<br /><br />Sorry for the long post, but as I said, it's driving me mad.<br /><br />Any help would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

Steve,-*+<br /><br />I just got a 76 model going for a friend.<br /><br />You have to go with the entire kit. Also, you need to double up on the packing washers on the needles.<br /><br />You may have someting floating around in one of the cooling passages. If you are running it in a barrel, the cavitation can sometimes load the system up with air.
 

Paul Moir

Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2002
Messages
6,847
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

Make sure you've got adaquate fuel flow from the tank. It's just an idea but it might be the one...
 

Reel Appeal

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 19, 2002
Messages
566
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

2hp models do not use a thermostat to regulate water flow.I would suspect a faulty water pump.Check or replace the impeller(water pump kit).Remove the needle valves completely and check the tips...Make sure the fuel valve (under tank) is open completely and air vent(gas cap).
 

steviecops

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
585
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

Thanks for the good advice.<br /><br />I couldn't get a carb kit today, but I got a new impeller and head gasket. I'm hopeful that the head gasket will do the trick as I've just discovered water in the cylinder!<br /><br />I'll let you know what happens.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

Steve,<br /><br />Good points made by the others. That engine has to be level or tilted up just slightly to get proper fuel flow from the tank. <br /><br />The tank outlet is not much higher than the carb inlet and it is gravity fed, as you know.
 

steviecops

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
585
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

Good point DJ, thanks.<br /><br />I fitted the head gasket, and the engine won't start. I'm picking up a carb kit, exhaust cover gasket and a powerhead gasket on Monday.<br /><br />Is there anywhere else that water could be entering the cylinder? I've had a good close look at the cylinder and block and can't see any cracks anywhere. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well when I've fitted the new parts, but any more ideas or advice would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve
 

steviecops

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
585
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

Hi<br />I thought I'd check out a few other things while I'm waiting for my parts. <br /><br />I took the reed block off and I think the leaf is defective. One side is flush with the block, but the other side is sitting up a good 2/16 of an inch off the block. Would this be enough to make the engine run as bad as it has? My manual says the gap shouldn't be more than .010.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve
 

steviecops

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
585
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

O.K, I took the leaf and stops off today and cleaned them gently with OMC engine tuner. When they went back together, the leaf sat nice and flat both sides. I installed them the same way up as they were, so I can only imagine that something was stuck under one side of the leaf and holding it up, or one of the screws was done up too tight.<br /><br />One more question. Should the low speed needle have a sharp point on it? I've checked the needle for grooves and there aren't any, but the point is as if someone has cut the end off. The high speed needle has quite a sharp point.<br /><br />I'm getting the parts tomorrow, so I'll let you know if I get the engine running.<br /><br />Thanks again<br />Steve
 

steviecops

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 3, 2003
Messages
585
Re: 2hp Evinrude won't stay running.

Got there in the end!<br /><br />Changed exhaust cover gasket and powerhead gasket, then rebuilt the carb with the complete kit. Engine started but kept surging and dying. I could have sworn it was a fuel problem, but when I changed the coil, points and condensor, it ran perfect!<br /><br />I was getting what I thought was a healthy spark, but it obviously wasn't healthy enough!<br /><br />Anyway, thanks for the advice.<br />Steve
 
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