getting gas, won't run

[steveo79]

Well, maybe it is. I had the boat out last weekend, was running great. Stopped in a little cove for a swim, then when I restarted it, it ran long enough to get it in gear, then it died. Used starter fluid, ran, but didn't appear to get gas. Got towed back, took it home. Pulled the gas filter, looked clear. Pulled the carb bowl, gas was clean, and bowl was full. drained the bowl, cranked it over, bowl filled back up. I blew some wd-40 thru the pickup tube in the bottom of the carb, pulled the main, and air screw, seemed clean.
Still using the original metal can, don't see any crud in it, and the gas is clean up in the float bowl.

Seems like it should run. Still starts on stater fluid...

 

[gjm]

Re: getting gas, won't run

Do not use starter fluid!! Use premix gas sprayed into carb or spark plug holes. Check floats in carbs for holes. Do you pull the gear lever out and forward to add more gas?

 

[steveo79]

Re: getting gas, won't run

thanks for the starter fluid tip; was just reading through the other forums, and saw it mentioned. Realized that I didn't check the float needle/jet. maybe it is sticking.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: getting gas, won't run

Pull a plug/s and see if you are wet fouling.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: getting gas, won't run

When you used the starter fluid were you able to keep it running or did it die when the starter fluid burned up? I doubt your problem is the float or needle valve. You mentioned that it re filled with gas. Depending on the year and model of your motor the carb should have an idle circuit. The gas will go through where the air fuel mixture screw is and disperse in the carb via three tiny holes. This area is prone to crud and varnish. Try backing the mixture adjust screw all the way out and blast a shot of WD 40 or carb cleaner in that hole then put the screw back in and try it. Make sure you count how many turns the screw is out from fully clockwise lightly seated.

 

[steveo79]

Re: getting gas, won't run

If they are wet, then they are wet fouling???

 

[steveo79]

Re: getting gas, won't run

thanks eurolarva, I'll try that. I did back that screw all the way out, (after first turning it all the way in to see the position, 'bout 1 turn). Didn't shoot the wd-40 there. I did pull the carb, check to see if the float valve was shutting off as it should, it was. I sprayed wd-40 through all the different orifices, and was a little surprised that a hole near the top of the float bowl exited near the top of the carb;assuming it is a vent and should be open?

Also, there is no air cleaner, screen, nothing, over the mouth of the carb; I realize there isn't any dust out on the lake, but seems something should be on there, no?

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: getting gas, won't run

Yes, fouled by a super rich mixture. If your fuel pump diaphram is leaking/cracked, you will be dumping raw fuel into the crankcase, which when sucked into the cylinder can foul the plugs. Very wet plugs when you know you're getting spark is one indicator.

 

[steveo79]

Re: getting gas, won't run

Plugs were dry, after the last attempt to start. I pulled the carb, checked to see if the float was shutting off, pulled the air mix screw, and shot a little wd-40 in there. Thats the only passage I not sure is clear. Was going to use a little PB blaster, but was unsure if it would hurt something. I was pretty surprised to touch the coils, and have them feel so warm after cranking.
this is getting pretty frustrating.... I think its something pretty obvious, and I'm just missing it.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: getting gas, won't run

My knowledge of carbs is based on Chryslers however I am sure yours is similar. If you follow that hole where the idle mixture adjust screw is there is a passage that will end near what is called a welsh plug. Inside that welsh plug is three tiny holes that will be inside the carb near the throttle plates. If one or more of those holes gets plugged motor will not idle for crap. Removing and replacing that welsh plug is the best way to clean those holes but also dangerous. If you mess up trying to remove that plug you can damage the carb. If you can access those holes from the carb side with a thin piece of wire you can clean them out with carb cleaner and used compressed air to blast the holes clean without removing the welsh plug. I would not use PB blaster for that is mainly a lubricant. Stick with WD 40 or carb cleaner.

 

[steveo79]

Re: getting gas, won't run

Sorry. Was re-reading through the thread, and see that I never mentioned what engine I was talking about. The motor in question is a 79 Chrysler 45 hp. Twin cylinder, single carb.
Motor didn't run real well after winter storage. Took it out for the first outing of the year, and it died, and would not restart. Brought it home, drained the carb, changed the plugs, fresh gas, proper oil/fuel mix. Got it running, took it out on the lake for a test. I had grabbed the can for my 5 hp sea king motor by mistake, so when I ran it out of the 1 gallon of gas that I mixed up to get it running, I was stuck. Ran it in on the electric trolling motor. Brought it home, gassed it up, took it out last weekend, when it did as I described.

Maybe this info will help. It's still not wanting to run. I'm going to go out and cover the carb with my hand and crank it over, to see If I can force it to suck up some gas into the cylinders. Good times!

 

[steveo79]

Re: getting gas, won't run

Went out, and placed my hand over the carb, and cranked it over. When I removed my hand, an ounce or two of gas spilled out. Does thi mean the float is to high? If so, it has been high for a while, so maybe it is part of, but not the problem right now?