Adjusting jet/needle

[Blake Hearn]

I have a 1971 18hp Evinrude. I took apart the carb last night and cleaned it and am now wondering how many turns the needle should be in the carb. I took the boat out a week ago and it would not start. Could the needle adjustment be why? It has fresh gas and good spark. Good compression. Thanks for any advice.

 

[restornator]

Re: Adjusting jet/needle

there are a lot of variables that can keep your motor from starting. one is your cold starting procedure. it would help some of the gurus here if you went through your start procedure step by step

 

[Blake Hearn]

Re: Adjusting jet/needle

Im not sure what you mean referring start procedure. I usually i just hook up the battery and gas, prime the bulb pull the choke and hit the start button. It has no trouble cranking and every now and then it acts like its getting fire because it will pop and blow white smoke once. But thats just every once in a while. Ive only had this motor running once when i had it. And that was the first time i ever tried to start it and it worked fine. That was in my backyard.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Adjusting jet/needle

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

Lots of great information in the Top Secret file at the top of this Forum. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[F_R]

Re: Adjusting jet/needle

To answer the direct question, the needle should be open 1-1/2 turns for a beginning point.

Actually, the needle position should have very little effect on starting the motor. Even if grossly out of adjustment, it should start. Especially with an electric starter. My guess is there is something else wrong with the motor.

 

[Blake Hearn]

Re: Adjusting jet/needle

OK. This says that it should be 1 1/2 turns from all the way in. Mine was backed out a lot. Could this be why it would not start?