Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

Rogue2

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Hi all. This is my first post to this forum. Hope for a little help. I found a great deal on an old (66') Livingston I am using for bowfishing. Anyway, It came with a little 1971 Eska 5.5 model # 217-59430. The seller said it was questionable but threw it in just to get it gone.

Here is what it is doing. After replacing the spark plug, fuel filter, and rebuilding the carb, I continue to have a problem with it not going full throttle. I get it up to about 2/3 throttle and it runs fine with the mix turned to full rich. Any additional throttle added and it bogs and dies almost instantly. It acts like it is flooded and takes a few pull strokes to get going again. Then it runs great until i dare to turn the throttle up again.

Any Ideas? I have ordered a new points and condenser kit on the chance the old points are worn but I'm just not sure. Any other ideas I should check?
 

Tom @ Buzzard Bluff

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
375
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

Hi all. This is my first post to this forum. Hope for a little help. I found a great deal on an old (66') Livingston I am using for bowfishing. Anyway, It came with a little 1971 Eska 5.5 model # 217-59430. The seller said it was questionable but threw it in just to get it gone.

Here is what it is doing. After replacing the spark plug, fuel filter, and rebuilding the carb, I continue to have a problem with it not going full throttle. I get it up to about 2/3 throttle and it runs fine with the mix turned to full rich. Any additional throttle added and it bogs and dies almost instantly. It acts like it is flooded and takes a few pull strokes to get going again. Then it runs great until i dare to turn the throttle up again.

Any Ideas? I have ordered a new points and condenser kit on the chance the old points are worn but I'm just not sure. Any other ideas I should check?

I suspect a fuel flow restriction. Next time when it stops pull the plug to see if it looks dry or wet. If dry it may not be getting sufficient fuel. If wet it's getting too much.

Bear in mind that there is far more to your 'fuel system' than just the carb.
It extends from the vent hole in the gascap all the way to the reedplate that controls entry to the crankcase of the fuel mix. I have repeatedly seen exactly the symptoms you describe caused by a vent hole that is stopped up. Start your trouble-shooting there!
And if you haven't done so pull the fuel fitting out of the tank to see if the screen on it is filthy.
 

Rogue2

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Jul 26, 2010
Messages
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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

I suspect a fuel flow restriction. Next time when it stops pull the plug to see if it looks dry or wet. If dry it may not be getting sufficient fuel. If wet it's getting too much.

Bear in mind that there is far more to your 'fuel system' than just the carb.
It extends from the vent hole in the gascap all the way to the reedplate that controls entry to the crankcase of the fuel mix. I have repeatedly seen exactly the symptoms you describe caused by a vent hole that is stopped up. Start your trouble-shooting there!
And if you haven't done so pull the fuel fitting out of the tank to see if the screen on it is filthy.

It comes out wet for sure. I think it's flooding. I have to set it with the rich/lean knob all the way to rich to keep it running though. Air flow issue? I have run it with the fuel tank cap all the way off. I also can confirm the fuel flows freely. I have the gas soaked pants to prove it.
 

Tom @ Buzzard Bluff

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Messages
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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

It comes out wet for sure. I think it's flooding. I have to set it with the rich/lean knob all the way to rich to keep it running though. Air flow issue? I have run it with the fuel tank cap all the way off. I also can confirm the fuel flows freely. I have the gas soaked pants to prove it.

In which case you need to check the float needle and seat first to determine if it is actually shutting off the flow of fuel when appropriate. Be sure that the needle and seat are working as they should, that the float isn't holed and fuell logged and that it is set 'by the book'. You DO have a manual I hope? To facilitate later trouble-shooting if required you need to check a couple of other things while you have the carb removed to check the float system.

1. does it have the little 'red rubber sock' fuel pump element in a 'well' on the engine side of the carb flange? If so check it VERY carefully for splits or holes. They don't like fuel that has alcohol in it! When replacing it in the well be SURE that the elongated hole on the flange end is at a 45 degree angle oriented toward the carb throat at the TOP.

2. Does the carb inlet fitting go directly into the carb body or into a plate that is secured to the carb with screws? If it is in a plate remove the screws and plate and check the integrity of the check valves underneath it.


All of the above parts should be available at any GOOD small engine shop.
 

Rogue2

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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

In which case you need to check the float needle and seat first to determine if it is actually shutting off the flow of fuel when appropriate. Be sure that the needle and seat are working as they should, that the float isn't holed and fuell logged and that it is set 'by the book'. You DO have a manual I hope? To facilitate later trouble-shooting if required you need to check a couple of other things while you have the carb removed to check the float system.

1. does it have the little 'red rubber sock' fuel pump element in a 'well' on the engine side of the carb flange? If so check it VERY carefully for splits or holes. They don't like fuel that has alcohol in it! When replacing it in the well be SURE that the elongated hole on the flange end is at a 45 degree angle oriented toward the carb throat at the TOP.

2. Does the carb inlet fitting go directly into the carb body or into a plate that is secured to the carb with screws? If it is in a plate remove the screws and plate and check the integrity of the check valves underneath it.


All of the above parts should be available at any GOOD small engine shop.

The fuel pump element is good. Replaced it with the rebuild kit I picked up. Will check the valves. What should I look for?
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

flapper valve, if you didn't replace it in your rebuild you should have, they get stiff or frayed and cause problems also check the timing cam to make sure you get full throttle plate opening at full timing advance. also you need the manual and as I have said many times you can easily install the float needle clip backward causing the float needle to stick open and flood also check the angel of the fuel pump and get a Tecumseh manual ASAP. PM with e-mail addy and I will help you find a manual.

http://www.boatsportandtackle.com/servlet/the-568/valve-membrane-eska-fuel/Detail

or call www.certifiedpartscorp.com
 

Tom @ Buzzard Bluff

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Messages
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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

<The fuel pump element is good. Replaced it with the rebuild kit I picked up. Will check the valves. What should I look for?>

Frankly from my reading of my Intertec manual I'm not familiar with the carb on your motor. Nor do I fully understand how the check valves work on it. So hopefully someone who IS familiar with them will respond and we'll both learn.
 

Rogue2

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Jul 26, 2010
Messages
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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

flapper valve, if you didn't replace it in your rebuild you should have, they get stiff or frayed and cause problems also check the timing cam to make sure you get full throttle plate opening at full timing advance. also you need the manual and as I have said many times you can easily install the float needle clip backward causing the float needle to stick open and flood also check the angel of the fuel pump and get a Tecumseh manual ASAP. PM with e-mail addy and I will help you find a manual.

http://www.boatsportandtackle.com/servlet/the-568/valve-membrane-eska-fuel/Detail

or call www.certifiedpartscorp.com

I replaced the flapper valve and I paid close attention to the direction of the spring on the float pin. When I get the new points kit I will focus on the timing. I think that is the problem. Thanks for the input. PM sent
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

the carb on your 5.5 is a non emissoinized carb with adjustable main mixture screw,
Tecumseh says the only purpose of the check valve is to not allow fuel to flow back up into the fuel line and tank.

From the book,

NOTE: On dual adjust, the first adjustment must be
made with the main mixture screw.
With the engine running, turn the mixture adjustment
screw clockwise until the engine starts to falter,
remember this location. Next turn the screw
counterclockwise until the engine starts to sputter or
drop in R.P.M., remember this location. Now turn the
screw clockwise until it is halfway between these two
locations. This will be the optimum carburetor setting.
With dual adjust carburetor, repeat the above steps
for the second (idle) mixture adjusting screw.


http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...ription=CARBURETOR&documentId=00010368&blt=06
 

gary79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 21, 2010
Messages
35
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

did you replace the needle valve and seat? I looked at the diagram in this post and the needle valve and seat in the diagram are the same that is on my 4.5 hp eska. the carb kit I obtained has a different needle and seat than what is shown in the diagram. I think you got the same problem I got. flooding
 

Rogue2

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Joined
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Messages
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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

did you replace the needle valve and seat? I looked at the diagram in this post and the needle valve and seat in the diagram are the same that is on my 4.5 hp eska. the carb kit I obtained has a different needle and seat than what is shown in the diagram. I think you got the same problem I got. flooding

You know, I did notice the seat was bigger inside diameter but I just figured it was an upgrade design for the 33 year old design. Here is the thing though, for about the first five minutes I took it out on the lake after the rebuild the thing worked fine. Full power runnin smooth. Then for what appears to be no good reason, it started doing this.

I'm gonna put it in a tank tonight, replace the points and condenser, and retune the mixture and see what happens.
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

he's right rogue2 these are the old style carbs and need the viton tiped needle w/spring.

I located the part, there getting kind of rare I guess, most parts breakdowns show both kinds a 93 & 93a.

93 SKU: 631505
Inlet Needle & Spring Assy. 1 $5.30


http://www.psep2.biz/pages/parts/vie...erCompany.aspx
 

Rogue2

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Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

Update:

Well, thanks to everyone and great advice. I replaced the points and condenser and ran through the fuel mixture adjustment procedure as outlined above. She runs like a beast! I can't wait to get out on the lake and rip along instead of putt.

Only weird thing is no matter how far I backed out the adjustment screw, it never tried to stutter or fail so I have just set it where it is, pretty far out, about six full turns from where it started.

Anyway, she runs strong. Thanks.
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

when you get it behind a load that may change, what about the idle mixture screw, how many turns out? that may change as well when you get a load on the engine and really get it warm.


Good luck and have fun, I always have a good time when I run my Eska because I never use more than a gallon of gas:D lot of times only a quart or 2
 

Rogue2

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Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
23
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

when you get it behind a load that may change, what about the idle mixture screw, how many turns out? that may change as well when you get a load on the engine and really get it warm.


Good luck and have fun, I always have a good time when I run my Eska because I never use more than a gallon of gas:D lot of times only a quart or 2

Thanks. I'll make sure to take the tools I need to adjust in in the field.
 

Tom @ Buzzard Bluff

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Messages
375
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

<I always have a good time when I run my Eska because I never use more than a gallon of gas:D lot of times only a quart or 2>

FWIW----I was reviewing the operators manual for my last year model 7 1/2 Eska a couple of days ago trying to find answers for questions asked by a poster. Under 'Fuel Consumption' it sez .8 gal./hour at full throttle. At half throttle the mileage was so astronomical that it didn't register in either one of my brain cells.:D
 

Rogue2

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Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
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Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

Well I took it out and it runs a little better but still won't maintain full power without conking out. It'll now go to about 3/4 full power. Given what has worked so far it does appear to be a fuel issue but I don't know how to get more to the motor.New filter, new lines, carb kit, mixture adjustment, plug, points, condenser, propper mix. Any other ideas? I really need full power to make this motor useful on my boat.
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: Eska 5.5 Sears Ted Williams Won't Run Full Power.

Lets see, I would first check the fuel pump bladder for hole and proper angle, then the carb gasket its self, the thick ones tend to erode fast around the pulse hole to your fuel pump, then back track to the float and double check the float level. if all is well then run it in the barrel and check to see your getting full throttle plate open at full timing advance. do you have a timing light? and did you replace the welch plug? you got fuel jets behind that, even on clean carbs I have found grainy stuff building up.

I like to take the bowel off and check the fuel flow from the inlet tube by just letting the float hang, and check my float needle to make sure it seals.
 
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