Leaf Valves?

[Paulywog0667]

I have two 50hp hydro-electric outboards. One a Johnson and one Evinrude. Same motors besides the engine covers. They both have the same problem. After cleaning carbs on the johnson, it runs great at idle until you put the cover on. I put new plugs on the Evinrude and it was great besides needing to throttle the idle. Take off the cover and like a new motor. I'm running roughly 1 1/2 ounces of SeaFoam per gallon as a new used motor carb precaution. I don't believe it's the carbs since the Johnson idle power isn't their with a cover after two carb kits. Would the leaf valves act as an air choke if dirty or damaged? My buddy mentioned SeaFoam will do that, but the big difference was gapping the plugs from 035 back to 030 beforesSeaFoam. It got cold sitting in 50° water and the fix was taking off the cover to start. The cylinders both tested right around 120psi out of water. Generally the Evinrude runs great, but don't want taking the cover off to be a safety buffer.

 

[achris]

Unlikely the reeds would cause that problem. Check your cover isn't shorting out spark plug wires. Seen that a few times, especially on older OMC outboards.

Chris.........

 

[F_R]

Symptoms suggest it is breathing it's own smoke/exhaust. Sea Foam may be creating a lot of smoke. Are you running these things in a barrel?

EDIT: It's been so many years since I've see a leaf valve problem, I can't even remember when. They are extremely reliable.

 

[Paulywog0667]

Symptoms suggest it is breathing it's own smoke/exhaust. Sea Foam may be creating a lot of smoke. Are you running these things in a barrel?

EDIT: It's been so many years since I've see a leaf valve problem, I can't even remember when. They are extremely reliable.

It does smoke from the SeaFoam, but achris mentioned the plug wires. I felt a little shock putting the cover on the rear side of the engine, but couldn't figure it out. I wasn't getting shocked putting my hand on the motor. I have seen it recycling some SeaFoam though. The shift solenoid wires don't look like they have the plug at the base of the motor.

 

[F_R]

It does smoke from the SeaFoam, but achris mentioned the plug wires. I felt a little shock putting the cover on the rear side of the engine, but couldn't figure it out. I wasn't getting shocked putting my hand on the motor. I have seen it recycling some SeaFoam though. The shift solenoid wires don't look like they have the plug at the base of the motor.

Whoa, exactly what do you mean by that comment about the shift wires? If you are saying they appear to be loose where they come up out of the housing, well there's your problem. Smoke can come up out of that housing too, and fill the hood, smothering the engine. The wires cable has sealing rings around the top end, and must be pulled up so the rings are tight in the hole. Squirt a dab of oil down in there first to lubricate the rubber so it slides into the hole easily.

 

[F_R]

Sealing rings

 

[jimmbo]

...but achris mentioned the plug wires. I felt a little shock putting the cover on the rear side of the engine, but couldn't figure it out. I wasn't getting shocked putting my hand on the motor.

Where was your hand when you felt the shock? On the Latch Handle? Check the Plug Wires and Plug Boots for abrasions/cracks

 

[oldboat1]

and maybe run after dark and look for sparking.