Choke Issue?

[phiber_optikx]

Sorry if some of this sounds stupid. I am not at all mechanically inclined. So today we decided to water test my new boat. Prior to this we had started the engine two times with the muffs and it ran fine. Since then the only thing I have done is an oil change. So we get to the lake, and the engine turns but wont fire. Try for several minutes and can't get it to go. We pull the spark plugs and they are still good. I had changed them immediately after buying the boat. We decided we weren't getting on the water today and dragged it back home to work on it with the muffs on. After dropping some fuel behind the plugs it starts but dies after a few seconds. BUT now it starts with the choke held. About 3 seconds after releasing the choke it dies. We started it about 50 times with the choke held and even if you run it for 5 minutes it still dies after release. We adjusted the manual choke every way possible but simply can't get it to idle. Any suggestions? Fuel filter is clean btw.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Choke Issue?

You have described a engine that has a fouled, clogged, gummed carburetor. Remove, clean, and rebuild it as needed.

 

[phiber_optikx]

Re: Choke Issue?

Thank You for the response. As I said, I am in no way mechanically inclined. Is this something I can tackle on my own or should I just take the boat in? Also, if I do take it in, what is a fair price for the work?

 

[lindy46]

Re: Choke Issue?

What motor are we talking about?

 

[phiber_optikx]

Re: Choke Issue?

1972 evinrude triumph 65 hp

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Choke Issue?

1972 evinrude triumph 65 hp

That job could get fairly well involved... three carburetors, linkages, etc.

Unfortunately with labor rates being what they are nowadays, that job could be quite expensive, three carburetor kits at roughly $20 each and about 3 or 3-1/2 hours labor if one knows exactly what they're doing.

However, what do you have to lose. Perhaps you have a friend who may have a mechanical background of sorts. Before you take anything apart, take pictures, and make notes as you go along. You may think that you'll remember something so simple as to which side of a linkage a spring goes on... you won't!

The members here will guide you along that trail if you tackle it.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Choke Issue?

I am wondering how you changed oil in this engine? Do you mean you used fresh gas with oil mixed? Follow Joe's suggestion. If you run into trouble there are people here or you always have the option of the shop if you can't do it.

 

[phiber_optikx]

Re: Choke Issue?

I changed lower unit oil. I was just stating everything I had touched. But yes it also has freshly mixed gas with oil in it

 

[F_R]

Re: Choke Issue?

As said, that motor is fairly complex. The carb sync has to be correct. Winging it without a shop manual is kind of iffy. You might want to consider this though....running that motor lean (not enough fuel) or incorrect timing or sync can totally destroy it by burning the pistons.

I guess you have a choice to make. Pay the guy $500 or so for a carburetor job, or see what you can learn by trying it yourself. You might learn that he earns his money.