Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

[canemode]

My son has a 1989 6 hp Evinrude. This is in excellent condition and was running extremely well untill a couple of months ago. It started stalling at an idle if left to idle for more than a minute or two and has become very hard to start requiring lots of choke. This has gotten progressively worse with each outing untill the last time when I had to tow him back as it stalled and would not restart at all. I have drained and cleaned the fuel tank and refilled with clean fuel and OMC oil mixed at 100-1 as the motor specs say is the correct mix. I have replaced the fuel filter cover which had a hairline crack in it. I have cleaned the carby out and checked the float is not sticking. Replaced the plugs. Checked the spark is good on both cyliners. Checked the compression is good. It sometimes gives a small cough before it stalls. I can get the motor to start with lots of choking and it will run at high revs with no probs but as soon as it is allowed to go back near idle it stalls. Can anyone help me with other suggestions to check please. Thanks in anticipation.

 

[suzuki40]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

sounds like you need to set the low speed adjustment. There should be a nob on the front of the motor marked low speed setting. Turn it all the way in till it stops, be very careful not to seat it down tight! just very lightly...You dont want to damage the seat. Back it out 1-1/2 turns, then go put around at a low speed and ajust the nob in or out till it runs the best.You will notice it smooth out or run worse, just play it by ear.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Suzuki 40

 

[canemode]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

Thanks for that I did adjust this out but I took it out 2.5 turns. I will let you know how it goes.

 

[canemode]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

Now I am confused. It did not make any difference adjusting the needle still starts with lots of choke and stalls at low revs. The carbi does not appear to have a second needle adjustment for high revs. This being the case have I just adjusted the micture in general or is this the low revs adjustment?

 

[canemode]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

Also does anyone know how the timing is adjustable on these motors, it is not very obvious to me.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

Peas....<br /><br />Sure sounds like a low speed idle circuit is clogged. You say you cleaned the carb. Did you spray carb cleaner into all orifices and blow them out with compressed air? Pay attention to the idle mixture screw. Remove the screw and spray carb cleaner into the seat area, follow with compressed air. You probably have only one idle mixture screw, the high speed jet is fixed. <br />After cleaning the carb use these destructions for adjustment.<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)<br /><br />Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns. <br /><br />Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8<br />turns, start to turn the S/S needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to<br />respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to<br />where the engine will just stay running.<br /><br />Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back<br />(sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4<br />turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.<br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustment, you will have no reason to move<br />them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you<br />would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

Hi<br />Around the low speed needle ( which affects only low speed mixture ) there should be either a retainernut or a keyholeshaped silicone grommet. If retainer try to tighten it a bit, if grommet check it is firmly in place and looks tight. If there is a leak there motor will die out in iddle. If this is not the error, you must disassemble carb, remove floater and needle valve, low speed needle and all gaskets. Soak carb over night in cleaning solvent and blow compressed air through all orifices, paying special attention to the small orifices just above throttle butterfly, they are small and intent to foul first. Everything back in place, and new low speed adjustment. It will run like new.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

Peas,<br />If the flywheel key hasn't sheared (highly unlikely in you're case) the motor will be in time. Address the idle problem first.

 

[canemode]

Re: Evinrude 6hp - won't idle

I think i have found the problem thanks to your suggestions. The top of the cover is porselan (excuse if not spelt correctly) It has a hairline crack near the keyhole retainer. This would surely be letting to much air in. I have ordered a replacement top and will come back for more advise next week if this does not fix the problem.<br /><br />Thanks for all your help fellas, this is a great forum for help.<br /><br />Best regards for now.