1988 evinrude 70 vro fuel problems

fmrodrigue

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
11
I am trying to purchase a boat and motor 1988 70hp evinrude vro if I can get it to run. Problem is the owner let sit with fuel hose hooked up for over a year. Tried carborator cleaner first and it cranks and runs for 30 seconds at high idle only 2000rpm then just dies. I took all the carbs of went through them and cleaned them bowls and floats and jets didnt look that bad. re bolted carbs and cranked up but still had the same problem. I can choke the engine right before it kills to keep it running. It seems that it burns the gas out of the bowls and wants to die. So I took apart the fuel pump and cleaned it it didnt look like it was varnished to bad so I cleaned it and re assembled (the diaphram looked ok and was flexible), Cranked it and it did the same thing. The bulb on fuel line stays tight and when forced squezed it still dies after 30 seconds. checked plugs they are new and dry, changed in line fuel filter and still does the same thing when cranked. I am thinking about bypassing fuel pump and hooking direct to fuel line and squezzing bulb to see if I can get it to run longer which will answer a faulty fuel pump. all hoses are clamped and in good condition. Any sugestions would be greatly appreciated.
 

iwombat

Captain
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
3,767
Re: 1988 evinrude 70 vro fuel problems

I think you need to get rebuild kits and go through them properly. That includes a good soak and removal of the core plugs to clean out all the idle jets. Generally, those carbs are not nearly as clean as they appear.
 

luckyinkentucky

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
462
Re: 1988 evinrude 70 vro fuel problems

I'm with 'iwombat'. If the previous owner let the engine sit for a year without starting it, and without fuel stabilizer, you could have carb jets gunked up with varnish. I would rebuild the carbs before buying a VRo and finding out your problem is still there. Just for the information, a new VRO usually runs between $250 to $340. Carb rebuild kits are usually around $25 a piece.
 

Monkaroo

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
104
Re: 1988 evinrude 70 vro fuel problems

Did you get rid of the old gas and put in fresh stuff ?
 

fmrodrigue

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
11
Re: 1988 evinrude 70 vro fuel problems

I used new gas in a seperate 6 gal tank so this shouldnt be a problem. I have rebuilt carbs on my 150 yamaha several times and know how to break them down and soak the parts ect (a mechanic taught me). so I dont think this is causing the problem. Today I bypassed the fuel pump and used the fuel line bulb to keep pressure on the gas line and the motor did the same thing ( run for 10-15 seconds then bog and die.) I did have a problem with the tilt and trim switch, the handle is cracked and the switch wouldnt trim up or down. I messed with the wiring moving it about a little and the trim worked, I wonder if there is a short in the handle throttle mechanism that you engage it in gear, and if this would cause the motor to shut itself down? I have been through all the fuel componets and it just doesnt add up. The guy Im buying it from had it repaired 2 years ago and paid $2,000 for the bill. Unfortunately he doesnt know anything about boats but his close friend said they put a new powerhead on it and the way it looks (wiring, new starter, clean housing, motor mounts ect.) I think he's right. Any sugestions greatly appreciated.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1988 evinrude 70 vro fuel problems

you still have a carb problem, use a kit, in it is a new float needle ,and seat,. it's not getting gas, remove the jets, and core plugs, then when reassembling adjust the float. when reassemble with it right side up blow thur it, upside down, you should not be able to blow thru it.
 

fmrodrigue

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2007
Messages
11
Re: 1988 evinrude 70 vro fuel problems

Thank you very much to all that replied to my problem with this 70. I went through the carbs again and found some trash in the middle carb, blew everthing out with a air compressor this time (I didnt have access to one the first time through) bolted them back on and she now idles and runs great. This is a great site and again thanks for your suggestions.
 
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