Time for a new motor?

[racerone]

Bring it over I think I can fx it.--------Good used powerhead or one with new pistons and rings too.

 

[thegipper]

Think the motor is shot?

I don't want to waste any more time and money if it is toast. Any other thoughts? Why would it run fine when throttling up?

 

[thegipper]

Wen't out for one last try to start it in neutral, no dice. It fires for a second or two, then dies. After drowning in my sorrow (finished my beer), i was closing up the garage and noticed a small black stream near the prop on the motor. I smelt it and its pure oil/gas. This motor is running stupid rich right now. The question is, why?

Is 110 psi on all 3 cylinders enough for it run? That was approximately my numbers before all this started and it ran like a champ.

I checked how good the spark was and it seems fine on all 3, maybe I need to check again.

Even though the spark plugs look fine, can they be "fouled" and not firing well?

It is either getting way to much fuel (which I don't know why it would be) or its not using it (compression/spark). When I pull the plugs they are always wet with fuel.

Come on guys, what am I missing????

 

[ondarvr]

Well, clean the carbs and make sure the float needles are seating correctly, also check to make sure the choke shuts off.

 

[thegipper]

Well, clean the carbs and make sure the float needles are seating correctly, also check to make sure the choke shuts off.

I got some amazing news! For whatever reason, when the manual choke lever is in the automatic position, it must not be turning off after the motor starts which was causing it to flood and run super rich. I turned the choke lever to the off position this morning and tried starting it. IT FIRED UP INSTANTLY like it used to.

I took it my nearest lake and it again started immediately and idled excellent like before. Spent about 2 hours fishing/boating with multiple starts and WOT, it ran better than ever!

I am so glad it was something simple.

She is running great and spitting water like crazy with no sputtering anymore. Since I was able to run it for awhile, I went back and re-torqued all of the head bolts to 20 ft/lbs.

Thank you everyone for the help, I really appreciate it! I'll report back if something changes.

 

[thegipper]

PS. I was on the verge of breaking down and buying a 1997 Johnson 70 hp at my local marina. They wanted $2700 for it and it was in nice shape. I'm glad I didn't have to open up the wallet. Hopefully I can get I can get 4 or 5 years out of this motor until I can buy something newer. She has lots of new parts in her!