Re: 73 johnson/evinrude 65 hp - won't stay running
Carb tuning is what you need! This is assuming that you have good spark, and good compression. Since you have already replaced the coil I figure that part is good, now double check the compression.<br /><br />Get a compression gauge, a good one, the kind that screws into the spark plug hole, NOT a hold on to job, a good one from Pep Boys only runs around $25. Pull ALL of the plugs out, screw the gauge into the hole and crank the motor until the needle stops moving up, then repeat for the other 2 cyls. You should have 100 pound plus, with no more than a 20 pound difference between cyls. DO NOT OIL the cylinders before testing, and disconnect the fuel tank from the engine, it will give you a falsely high reading if you do.<br /><br />I have the same motor and had the same problem after carb rebuilding, I had to adjust the carbs while the boat was runing and under load. First thing to do is get it going under water and set the engine just above idle, dial in the carbs so it rund relativly smooth, then you should be able to put it in gear and get it to go around in the water. Next while some one else is driving you fiddle with the carb screw until it's right, and belive me you will know when in a hurry, so make sure you are braced well, have a life vest on and the screwdriver tied off to the boat in case you drop it. All the sudden out of nowhere the thing will take off like a bat out of hell, then fine tune it ever so slightly until you get optimum performance out of it. Install the rich/lean rods and then the air silencer cover, and finally the engine cover. Now you can enjoy being out on the water again!! <br /><br />I almost forgot, if you are at a public launch try to do it during non peak hours, so that others can launch and load their boats. People understand if you are having trouble, but wil still get po'ed if you are hoggin up the dock for tuning purposes.
