Marine 1984/86 Four Cylinder 2 stroke 50 hp Bogging Down

[Learningboating359]

I got this engine along with 16 ft Alumacraft hull and replaced the fuel diaphragm pump gaskets, all the fuel lines inside the engine, a new fuel line from the engine to the external tank, and I got it running but never on the 1st crank . Once it cranks, it cranks in a split second everytime.

Took it out on the water for 1st time and it ran it for about 30 minutes full throttle (what a thrill!) and then, when I slowed down, it started to bogged down like it wasn't get any fuel and then it just died and would not start again. Had to be towed back by a friendly boater. At the landing, it started back up though, urgh!

We have a lot of smart people on this forum so any advice is appreciated it! Practically speaking, did I make a big mistake buying an boat with an old engine that I'll end of spending 100s of dollars to keep running?

Aside from that, is this a fuel issue? An electrical issue? A overheating issue? Any advice is appreciated it. Thanks!

 

[racerone]

Fact----A new aquasition outboard needs a new impeller.----Do you advance throttle only lever when cranking it over , yes or no ?-----Do you push in the key while cranking it over, yes or no ?-----Do a compression test before spending any coins on this motor.---Post your results.

 

[Learningboating359]

racerone - good questions!

A new aquasition outboard needs a new impeller. There is water flow but yes, I should have done this by now.
----Do you advance throttle only lever when cranking it over? For the 1st crank, yes or most of the time.
----Do you push in the key while cranking it over, Yes, I choke it most of the time.
----Do a compression test before spending any coins on this motor. I did and I got between 90 and 95 psi.

 

[BrettNC]

If you didn't do anything to the fuel system when restarting at the landing, this is most likely electrical. Check all connections, verify that you don't have an intermittent key switch (common and mimics a whole lot of other causes). Same with any safety kill circuits. Other than that, start looking into the ignition system.

 

[Mercurylips]

Your compression readings are low. If you used a quality tester they should be at 125 or better. I would suggest going to an Auto Zone and borrowing a good one. They loan at no charge. Harbor freights testers are suspect. Just so you know. You didn't make a mistake buying your motor. There is a great deal to learn about it. Once you get it running consistently, you'll understand. Today I just spent another 150 on my 77 2cycle 500. I still like it better than the cost of one twenty years newer.