Evinrude Big Twin: runs on choke only

dh_user

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Mar 30, 2017
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Hi all - continuing the story that began with this: https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...ards/10810143-big-twin-flywheel-compatibility

I finally got a 58-year-old engine running yesterday. I have to admit, it felt pretty good. I let it run in neutral at idle for 20-30 minutes and then tried to open the choke... it died. Several more tries, with the same result. I'll post a short video from my phone.

Here's a list of what I've done (1961 Evinrude 40hp, model 35524). All replaced/rebuilt parts are either NOS OMC or brand-new BRP.
. Removed, disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled every part from the powerhead up
. Replaced broken crankshaft, installed new omc spaghetti seal and crankshaft seals
. Replaced every gasket on the engine with omc gaskets, sealing with either Permatex 3 or 3M 847 per Joe Reeves' articles (note: no seal on 2 intake gaskets or carb gasket)
. Torqued every bolt to spec in the condensed service manual (where listed); sealed bolts with either Permatex 3 or aluminum anti-seize
. Replaced thermostat and gasket
. Rebuilt fuel pump and sediment bowl
. Rebuilt vacuum cut-out switch
. Replaced all ignition components (condenser, point, coil, ignition wire, boot, plug)
. Replaced all fuel, vacuum, and hot water lines
. Rebuilt hot-water choke and carburetor (including seat/needle valve and both plugs)

Since choke-only operation usually means fuel delivery, I pulled off the carburetor again to run all the checks I know how to do. Here is what I did.
. Remove the inbound fuel line (supply from pump to carb), blow on the line, fuel blows out and then air passes through the carburetor
. Remove carburetor from intake manifold, turn carb upside down, blow on the inbound fuel line, air does not pass
. Remove the bowl, check (new oem) gasket for any tears, etc.
. Check the float (level to carb body)
. Confirm seat needle isn't stuck, and float moves freely without any noise or sticking
. Remove float/spring/seat/jet; inspect; look for dirt or debris; spray each part with carb cleaner, spray with compressed air to check all the holes are open
. Confirm idle circuit and high speed circuit are free, using compressed air, spraying both both ways
. Reassemble the carburetor
. Re-check the float/needle/seat by blowing into the fuel line (right side up, air passes; upside down, no air passes)
. Install
. Verified idle adjustment valve is backed off a soft seated position by 1-1/2 turns (tried 1 turn and 1-1/4 turns as well; no difference in the outcome)

This last time, I also removed the fuel pump, checked for dirt/debris, sprayed carb cleaner/compressed air, checked the sediment bowl and gaskets, etc. There was a little dirt in the glass bowl (very little), so I cleaned it out.

So the punch line: I don't think this is the carb. I've checked the fuel tank / vent / bulb / line. I use this same setup for my 15hp 70s Johnson, and it works great. Just to be sure, I dumped the last gallon or so of fuel on a burn pile and used brand new gas and oil.

Things I'm wondering about:
. Carb float: looks like it's cork (sort of a wheat/yellow color, not red) and not plastic. It's a brand new BRP kit that's listed for this engine (439074) - but should I research a same-size plastic float and replace it?
. Potential vacuum leak in carb: I did make a mistake when cleaning / soaking this carb. I pulled everything apart (removed all non-metal pieces) , dropped in the Berryman container, and left it in there for 2-3 months while I got sidetracked with another project. Any possibility I damaged it? The fluid was extra dirty when I removed the carb, so I used the ultrasonic cleaner as well (3 parts water, 1 part Simple Green). Carb looks nice and clean, and nothing suspect... just not sure if I could have done damage in some way without realizing or being able to see it.
. Potential vacuum leak in crankcase: I have no reason to believe this is true; just read and saw threads on this, so I sprayed the top crank seal and the joint where the crankcase halves come together with soapy water while pressurizing the cylinders and turning the shaft... no bubbles. Any other ways of testing this? Or any reason to worry about it?
. Potential vacuum leak in manifold: I didn't seal the manifold to reed plate or reed plate to block gaskets (consistent with many threads and some direct answers I got to my question on the other thread). Given the gaskets are new and there's no sign of damage on any of the metal surfaces (I went back to my photos), I don't think this is it... just wondering if anyone has suggestions to definitive tests to eliminate this as a possibility.
. Timing (now I'm starting to doubt that again): points open when flywheel mark / timing tool mark enters the 2-mark gap on the magneto cam plate. Position of the magneto: I had the magneto fully retarded when doing this adjustment. Is this correct? Alternative positions that I think I remember using on other engines: "pickup point" position (magneto cam scribe mark is even with the intake manifold sync point); or fully advanced magneto (in forward gear, "WOT" timing setting).

Appreciate any direct experience anyone may have on this. We're so close with this one! Thanks in advance.
 

dh_user

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Mar 30, 2017
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I should add (until I get my video posted)... here's what the video shows.
. Choke is between "Manual" and "Auto"... about 1/8" toward "Manual" from the "Auto" dimple... just enough to keep the hot water and vacuum from opening the butterfly, but not 100% closed.
. At this choke setting, and the throttle set to "Start," the engine starts every time. I have the idle stop set a little high... about 1/2 way between "Start" and "Slow"
. After starting, the throttle adjusts to the idle stop, and it will run there without any feathering or rescuing (I've left it for 10-20 minutes at a time).
. When I move the choke to "Auto" the engine picks up rpm for somewhere between 2-3 seconds and dies. Every time, no exceptions, doesn't matter if the engine is cold or hot.
. When I move the choke to "Off" the engine seems to maintain rpm (maybe a slight increase but not like when I move it to "Auto") and dies within 2-3 seconds.
. When I move the choke all the way to "Manual" it just dies (no increased rpm)
. Pumping the fuel line bulb doesn't have any effect
 

F_R

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Jul 7, 2006
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28,226
Wow. It would seem you have done everything. I say it probably is a carb problem. You say you have done a more-than-normal cleaning of it. Have you tried opening the needle beyond the normal 1-1/2 turns? Have you actually visually inspected the high speed jet (orifice plug)? The vacuum hose going to the auto choke--any possible fault with that or the diaphragm in the choke? Don't worry about the new cork float--it should be fine. The new ones have a different sealer than the old originals. There is no direct replacement plastic ones anyway. Sorry, I don't have any better suggestions.
 

dh_user

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Mar 30, 2017
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Thanks F_R. I've done a bunch of work, but I feel like this is going to be something simple and basic - so I really appreciate the ideas.
​​​​​​. Vacuum choke hose and diaphragm are good (replaced / inspected).
​​​​​​. I inspected the high speed orifice (behind the brass bolt in the bowl casting), but I didn't do that againthis last time I looked at a bunch of other possibilities. Something could have gotten in there once I got everything up and running, so that seems like something I should eliminate.
​​​​​​. I honestly didn't think about backing out the idle mixture valve more than 1-1/2 turns, since it's usually in from there, but that sounds completely reasonable and something I should definitely try.
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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When you move choke to MANUAL it blocks all air and motor is going to stall due to flooding.----With choke OFF it and it dies means that it is not getting enough fuel.------Is the thermostat operating properly ?------Have you adjusted the BIMETALLIC spring cover ?
 

oldboat1

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Don't think excessive soaking is an issue. Like all carbs from the era, though, the domed fitting has to come off and the small ports underneath need to be cleared. I am not a fan of using compressed air, and clean with carb spray, looking into the throat to see where (and if) the stuff comes out. Additionally, while the fitting is off you visually insure the tip of the needle is fitting properly into the orifice -- and that there is no obstruction, such as a broken needle tip from an earlier attempt. Maybe you did this, but if not, it's a simple step that can make a large difference. Likewise, the nozzle has to be clear (small wire and carb spray). The nozzle gasket at the bottom has to be in place for the fuel to feed properly.

+1 on the above mention of the t.stat. in connection with the auto choke. The system is really very nice when working -- motor runs very smoothly and quietly.
 

Crosbyman

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Nov 5, 2006
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5,814
any chance a crankshaft seal (upper or lower) is not sealing (leaking air in ) causing the crankcase " normal" vacum to be insufficient to suck new gas from the carb ?


you mentioned testing with soapy water ..any chance ai could rush IN but not enough out to generate bubbles when testing the crankcase pressure

Any air suck in would interfere with normal crankcase vacum
 
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dh_user

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Thanks everyone for the additional ideas to check.
​​​​​​. When removing/replacing the plugs for both circuits, I checked the ports and sprayed carb cleaner to where I could see the fluid going through each hole.
​​​​​​. The nozzle gasket and nozzle holes are all good, based on the most recent takedown and inspection.
​​​​​​. I didn't visually verify the idle mix needle is seating properly, with the plug removed. Looks like I'm facing a carb rebuild anyway, so I'll add that step to the list (thanks for the idea). I just checked my photos, and all 8 holes there are clean (the 3 bigger ones and the 5 tiny ones ), but I did not have the needle in there to confirm seating, based on my photos.
​​​​​​. I'll take out the thermostat (new oem) and test it on the stove. Is that the way I should do it? They're cheap enough and last long enough that I've honestly never tested one before.
​​​​​​. I may need to run a legitimate leakdown test, I realize. Was wanting to eliminate all other potential causes, since (I think) I would need to make some covers for exhaust and intake . Is that correct? Anything that is known to work (not propane, I don't think my insurance is quite right for that) to spray around the crank case seam or intake manifold, while running, to confirm or eliminate lean mix due to vacuum leak?

Thanks everyone for the help here.
 

dh_user

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Mar 30, 2017
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Racerone, I just noticed your question about the bimetallic spring. The one in the choke housing, right?
​​​​​​. I see a couple of lean / rich stamps and a scribe alignment mark on the housing.
​​​​​​. I've confirmed the spring is operating the butterfly shaft lever. Should I adjust it richer (clockwise)?
​​​​​​. Here is a photo of the position of spring and lever. I added the plastic sleeve but must not have snapped that photo. Is this position correct?
 
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F_R

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Jul 7, 2006
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While the bimetal is important, I don't think that has anything to do with your present problem. You said that it dies when manually opening the choke. That rules out the auto choke, completely.

I'd say that 90% of the people used the manual choke-on/choke-off feature here in FL anyway. Put it on auto and start it up, then right away flip it to choke-off is what we generally did. The auto choke just does not open fast enough in our 90 degree water.
 

dh_user

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Mar 30, 2017
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Thanks F_R. I'm going to check the high speed orifice again, make sure the new packing washers are really fully compressed, and then adjust the needle richer.

Failing all that, since I could have stirred up some junk into a few spaces I haven't checked since the initial rebuild (and since I never visually checked the idle mix needle seating while looking down through the port with the plug out), I guess I'll rebuild it again.

One good thing about all this is... my carb rebuild checklist is definitely more thorough than it was before.
 
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