40 HP Evinrude Lark V Runs "ok" but has trouble starting.

[SuperYooper]

It's an older Lark V and Sometimes it starts right up (not often) and runs ok. Most of the time though, I have to play with the choke and even leave the door on the motor open in order for it to run. It turns over strong but getting it to fire can be a hassle.
For the most part when I do get it running it runs ok.

The bulb does not stay hard and sometimes when I am running the power will cut out but the engine won't die. I throttle down when the power starts to fade, let the engine "gather itself" and open up the throttle again with no problem.

Does this sound like a fuel line/pump issue or a carb issue? I am not a boat mechanic by any means, but seeing as I live in an area with only 1 outboard mechanic I do not want to take it there and get hosed seeing as how he has a monopoly unless I want to travel 2 hours.

 

[BonairII]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude Lark V Runs "ok" but has trouble starting.

I'm a noob, but I'll add my 2 cents FWIW. The bulb isn't supposed to stay hard once it's running from what I've read. If opening the door on the motor helps it runs better then maybe it's starved for air or gas or both. When was the carb(s) last rebuilt/cleaned?

Most here will def tell you to rebuild carbs, check compression, and check spark also.

 

[SuperYooper]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude Lark V Runs "ok" but has trouble starting.

It definitely has spark since it will run. I am not sure about the bulb. I may very well be wrong in thinking it should stay hard.

I just bought the motor so I have no idea when the carbs we rebuilt. I am assuming (although you know what that does) that it may just be a float sticking or a gummed up carb, but I was just fishing around to see if anybody else had/has the same issue and how it was resolved. Thanks for your 2 cents!

 

[BonairII]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude Lark V Runs "ok" but has trouble starting.

It definitely has spark since it will run.

Def has spark, but the QUALITY of spark is important also. Since you just bought the motor(and the PO prob didn't give you an accurate account of what, if any....maintenance was done to the motor), I would 'assume' that the carbs are dirty. Cleaning them will. if nothing else...give you piece of mind that the carbs are in good shape.

From the tons of reading I've done so far. Changing plugs, cleaning carbs, checking coils. replacing fuel lines(with any signs of deterioration at all), and inspecting/replacing impellers go a long way in keeping a motor running smoothly and somewhat trouble free.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude Lark V Runs "ok" but has trouble starting.

First thing to do is check compression. If the motor has good compression, most everything else can be fixed with reasonable effort and for a reasonable price. Get a spark tester from an auto parts store for about $7 and make sure you have a good snappy blue spark which jumps a 1/4" gap. If you have compression and spark, then it's time to clean/rebuild the carburetor. And don't forget to add new fuel lines when you do the rebuild.

 

[SuperYooper]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude Lark V Runs "ok" but has trouble starting.

If there is no compression will the motor still run? I have a gague that should be idiot proof that I used and got no compression in either cylinder. I am not sure I did the test right. Thank you for your knowledge o this probably basic issue.

 

[lindy46]

Re: 40 HP Evinrude Lark V Runs "ok" but has trouble starting.

Motor wouldn't run at all with no compression. Check the guage - must be faulty. What was your procedure?