Outboard thats scared of water

[matchoo77]

Hey Guys,

Chasing ideas from any savvy outboard mechs. I have a 140 V4 Evinrude on my runabout. Shes old(77) but has been rebuilt recently, new pistons, rings, bearings, coils, carb kit etc. Problem : it runs like a champ in the driveway hooked up to the hose. Pop it in the drink and its a mutha to start and wont idle. Once its running, itll go like a rocket, takes my 19' Ranger Sprint to ~ 40 knts but as soon as you stop, same issues. Loves to stall between dropping the throttle and engaging forward or reverse as well but as I said, nothing in the driveway, runs like a brand new one. HELP!!!!

Mat

 

[psteurer]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

What is likely happening is there is significant back pressure on the exhaust when you put it in the lake and this could amplify a low idle problem causing the motor to stall. There is no exhaust back pressure running it on earmuffs in the driveway. Your post indicates a lot of things already done. A simple thing to try is turn up your idle speed. Not sure what your motor should be turning in forward gear but I would suspect around 750 rpms. Another area would be the carburetor and something has clogged the low idle circuit. Did they replace the fuel lines when you had the servicing done? Could be ethanol poisoning which has eating away at the old fuel lines and some junk has gotten in the carb. This happens more and more now especially if the motor is not run for long periods of time and the fuel just sits in the lines.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Float level set correctly. Could be flooding at idle. Rick

 

[matchoo77]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Hey Fellas,

Cheers for the replys. Carbs were stripped, cleaned and rebuilt, all new fuel lines throughout. Idles @ 750 - 850 as best I can tell from tacho. Purrrrrs like a kitten idling with muffs so I dont think is a fueling issue. Exhaust backpressure was the only thing I could think of too but no idea what I can do to fix this. Anyone know if its possible to maybe drill into exhaust labyrinth to allow exaust out easier? maybe???

 

[jonesg]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Hey Fellas,

Cheers for the replys. Carbs were stripped, cleaned and rebuilt, all new fuel lines throughout. Idles @ 750 - 850 as best I can tell from tacho. Purrrrrs like a kitten idling with muffs so I dont think is a fueling issue. Exhaust backpressure was the only thing I could think of too but no idea what I can do to fix this. Anyone know if its possible to maybe drill into exhaust labyrinth to allow exaust out easier? maybe???

In rare cases some outboards are afraid of the water and need psychotherapy,

or try setting the idle to 1100rpm on the hose,
then it will drop to 750 in the water which is correct ...in gear at idle.

A prescription of antidepressent gas treatment will help between uses.

 

[northernmerc]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Good advice above. If this is a true case of hydrophobia, you might have to take it to a shrink. They probably charge less per hour than marine mechanics do.

 

[wasilvers]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

or try setting the idle to 1100rpm on the hose,
then it will drop to 750 in the water which is correct ...in gear at idle.

Thanks! - hopefully this will solve my problem too! (Stalls at idle after a run and when loading boat)

 

[matchoo77]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Hey Guys,

Cheers for the advice. Ive poped a couple of antidepresants in the fuel tank and will try bumping up the idle and see how she goes. Anyone know of a good "Outboard Whisperer"?? Just a back up plan. Any other ideas much appreciated. Cheers.

Mat

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Fine tune the idle speed in the water. Muffs will only give a very rough set up. My motor idles at around 1300 on the muffs and a nice 700 in the water.

 

[86 century]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

my 69 85hp johnny was the same way put it in the water and set the idle sond high on the hose but what does that matter

 

[jonesg]

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Re: Outboard that scared of water

Clarify whether the 800rpm idle is on the hose or in the water?

If thats in the water then its probably not running on all cylinders and the idle is turned up high to compensate.
I'd start spark testing with a gap tool. 7/16th inch spark gap.
If ignition is good then I'd rebuild the carbs properly.

 

[matchoo77]

Re: Outboard thats scared of water

Hey Gents,

Cheers for the comments. Will have a look at idle speed and adj as needed. Is this just a simple idle screw or an overengineered puzzle?

Mat

 

[jonesg]

Re: Outboard thats scared of water

I wouldn't go twiddling and adjustment screws until a compression test and spark gap test set at 7/16th inch gap.

If it passes those tests then start looking at the carbs and ignition sync.