Engine only Idles..

[DoubleB]

As some of you know My Dad and I just bought a small boat. We finally got it registered and took out today to see how she'd do. Well not to good. To crank there is a lever you pull up which seems to speed up the idle. Engine cranks fine and runs great, as long as that lever is up. As soon as you push it down the engine dies. Lift the lever up, cranks right up and idles like a champ. no problems. Lever down, engine dies.

The boat had been sitting up for some time before we bought it. We are going to change the spark plug and clean the carb, but if someone had another direction we should try let me know.

 

[flip1up]

Your right on it, sounds like the carb.

 

[bwolf]

carbs sound right , what year and model ya workin on ??? i may be of some help on other things....

 

[trackerd2]

If it does turn out to be a carburetor problem I had to rebuild three on a Johnson 70 h.p. I went to Nichols Marine on Bonnie Oaks Drive and he gave me a very good deal on the kits.

 

[jon the fisherman]

I had a similar problem a few years ago, and it turned out to be the stator. When the motor slowed down, the stator was not putting out enough voltage to keep it running.

 

[Bass Addict]

Would like to know what engine, I've had alot of experince with johnson/evenrude and some with Merc. Be glad to give advice if I know any.

 

[DoubleB]

It's a 1978 Evinrude 55Hp

 

[flip1up]

Was that the 3 cyl. with 3 carbs?

 

[DoubleB]

2 cyl.

 

[DoubleB]

2 cyl.

 

[Roccus]

I was working with TVA fisheries during the time that your engine was made. I'm sorry to say that we had several of the 55 horsepower models that slung rods through the head. We never knew why. The older 50 horsepower models that were produced prior to the 55 and the 70 horsepower models never had that problem and heaven knows we dished out punishment to them. That doesn't sound like it's your problem though, but I wanted you to be aware of it if you have any problems. Best of luck.

 

[DoubleB]

Did you HAVE to tell me that? emoPoke

Maybe since it's lasted 30 years it won't be a problem with mine... I hope.

 

[volpapaw]

Check the pick-up tube in the fuel tank to see if it might have anything blocking the screen,,,the same happened to me,,, very simple place to start looking.emoThumbsup

 

[1309tam]

you need to take to a dealer and let them find out your problem, instead of trying things on yur own.Believe me it costs more that way. Sounds like your carbs are gummed up. They need new kits plus they need to soak up to 24 hrs in a carb cleaner solution. Like the other guy said you need to make sure it's not blown.

 

[Bubbakat]

If that engine has set up for more then a year with old fuel left in it then the carb or carbs will have to be torn down and soaked overnight in some good carb cleaner. The kind that you get in a gal. bucket at any parts store. Blow out all the little crevices and holes with compressed air run a fine wire through the high speed jets and low speed jets. Install a new kit and pay close attention to the float settings.
When adjusting a carb on any outboard it needs to be done while in gear in the water under a load.
A sync and link is a must. If you don't have a Manuel then by all means get one it will save you a lot of head aches. Take pictures during disassemble to aid in the reassemble.

Sounds like your high speed jets are gummed up.