Won't Start

[Skiffmeister]

I have a 1998 20' Suntracker Fun Fish pontoon with a Tracker (Force) 40 hp outboard. I have the service manual for the motor and have replace the starter, carb kit, fuel pump and even traced a trim motor problem to the relay switch saving me $$$. The latest issue was a fuel leak which I traced to the needle seat (given the seat can't be removed on this carb, I reset the hole with a 1/8" ball bearing...problem fixed. Thanks YouTube) But, during the needle seat fix, I bit off more than I can chew....With service manual in hand (and some help from a dock buddy) I attempted to check/adjust the timing at the dock with boat in the water. So, I removed the prop and proceeded to follow the instructions..."The engine must be in gear to reach the WOT setting...". However, I missed the "...at cranking speed..." and tried to adjust the timing with the motor running in gear. My friend pushed the control handle to WOT while I observed the timing marks. Bottom line: I over-revved the motor 4 or 5 time before I realized my mistake. During the process the thrust washer came of the prop shaft (which I replaced). With starting the motor, I pulled the boat out of the water,changed the gear lube ( it looked fine) launched the boat and motored back to my slip. Compression before the over-revving was 130 psi in both cylinders. After, 140 psi in both cylinders. That debacle happened a few weeks ago. Here's the current situation: I attached the fuel line and started motor. Let it run a bit, checked water spitting out then shut it down while I caught bait. With bait in bucket, I headed out to my favorite fishing hole. However, about 50 yards from the dock, the motors dies (like it ran out of gas). That was 2 days ago and it still won't fire. Tonight, my plan is to check spark. I've already checked gas and replaced every hose/fuel line, connectors, filter on it. Any ideas? I'm sure the over-revving did major damage....Thank you in advance.

 

[Skiffmeister]

I forgot to add that fuel is not reaching carb..

 

[Tassie 1]

Try spraying fuel mix straight into the carbs while trying to start it,
l'd also stop replacing parts unless they are no good,
in the stickies above there is a lot of info about these problems,
at a guess you need to clean the carbs at the very least,
check float levels etc etc

 

[jerryjerry05]

Do a compression and spark test?

These motors are designed to run at high revs for extended periods.

Why were adjusting the timing?
These motors don't need that kind of adjustment unless you replace the trigger.

Check for a sheared flywheel key.

Explain the 1/8" ball bearing in the carb? post the link to the u-tube video.

 

[Skiffmeister]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Pulled carb and it was full of water! Cleaned it and carb kit, fresh tank of gas and it fired right up. I attached link that fixed my leaking carb. 3 taps on metal ball and no more dripping from my carb overflow port!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Thanks for the video.
Old dog, new tricks!!

 

[Redbarron%%]

This is very important as parts for these engines and carbs are difficult or impossible to find.

 

[Skiffmeister]

I broke the carb fuel elbow at one point. Nobody in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area had one in stock. And, was even told the part was obsolete/discontinued. U.S. BoatWorks had three. Warning: Have the part number in front of you when you call as staff aren't the chatty type.

 

[kbh121956]

This is great info! It should be a sticky post.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Send it to a Mod.
They might put it in the stickey's? Might not?
I've asked 3 different ones to stickey the grease post but none will?