New Member 15 hp Gamefisher quesitons.

[kylerprochaska]

I picked up a 1989 15hp Gamefisher (225.581501) two years ago. When I bought the motor the previous owner told me that it didn't like to idle, and after doing some research I found that the most common problem is a dirty carb. While rebuilding/cleaning the carb I attempted to replace the needle and seat. That was a bad idea, because the new seat stripped out the housing of the carb. I ordered a new/used carburetor online and got that installed after cleaning it. After installing the carb, replacing the spark plugs, and getting some new fuel, the motor still didn't want to idle. I adjusted the idle speed to keep the motor from stalling, but it is idling faster than it should be just to keep it running.

I checked the compression and my top cylinder is at 130 and the bottom cylinder is at 125. While the motor was running I pulled the bottom plug wire and the top cylinder runs on its own for 5-10 seconds before stalling. If I pull the top plug wire the bottom cylinder stalls out almost immediately.

I took the boat out yesterday to test out the motor just to see how it runs under load. It doesn't seem to have an issue starting up cold, two or three pulls usually does the job, but it seems to be short on power, only pushing my 14 foot v-bottom 12mph. I also noticed that after running WOT it sputters and surges upon deceleration. I also found that my idle speed is indeed set way too fast, pushing my boat at 3mph which makes trailering extremely difficult. Towards the end of my time on the lake, I wanted to run the boat WOT for awhile. I made a quick lap around the small lake and then came back to the ramp to trailer. Once the motor warmed up it again started to sputter upon deceleration. It eventually stalled out and wouldn't start for almost 5 minutes. Sounds like it overheated but I know its not that due to the new impeller i just installed and the fact that its spitting out a lot of water.

So heres what I have:
-clean carb
-new fuel
-new impeller
-130 & 125 compression
-new plugs

Im thinking my coils might be to blame but Im not sure. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I feel like with that compression the motor is worth putting money into.

Thanks,
Kyler

 

[jerryjerry05]

Sounds like a fuel problem.
Any serial #s or model#s??
​The air screw needs to be set at 1 and 1/2 turn out and adjusted from there when
the motors warm and in gear and in the water..
The air screw is the top screw on the carb.
Install a filter between the carb and the pump.
Rebuild the fuel pump.
Re-clean the carb, making sure all the jets are clear.
While carb is off check the reeds behind the carb.

Get a spark tester.
Probably don't need one but???
If the coils are bad it probably wouldn't run at all.

Check for water in the fuel?

Oh yea welcome.

 

[kylerprochaska]

Thanks for the response Jerry, the model number is 225.581501 and my serial number is 7780. Im hoping its just a fuel issue, I'll have to order a fuel pump kit and rebuild it. I really don't think its a dirty carb issue, I sprayed the heck out of the jets and had carb cleaner coming out of the holes it was supposed to. I'll have to tear everything apart and see how it looks. I am still worried about the cylinders not running on their own, but if I don't have to spend $200 on a cdi conversion its for the better. I did try to adjust the air screw and idle speed but I just couldn't get it to run right. Might have to take it to someone who knows what they're doing. Im not as worried about the top end speed as long as i can get the idle speed down.

Kyler

 

[jerryjerry05]

Maybe: new hoses, new connectors,?
​The air screw any cuts or grooves?
Must be a long smooth taper to a good point.
Take carb off and inspect the reeds?