1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

[oldcrankbait]

My '85 150 runs great at all speeds except for idling. I have to rev it up and slam it into gear or it will die out on me. My plugs are fouled after every use. The carburetors spit gas out while idling as can be seen when taking the cover off the engine. I am currently running it with the VRO but tried using oil mixed in with my gas and disabling the VRO and the results are the same. If I trim the motor up it seems to idle a little better but still nothing like it should.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

Start with a compression, and spark test, if ok consider carb kits, and decarb the engine. Also check the recirc. valves

 

[svfetter]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

I agree with r.johnson but i will bet the main problem is the check valves in the fuel recirculation system. Had the same problem with my Evinrude 150XP. These are located under the carbs. Pull the small hose off somewhere upstream of the valve. If you can blow air thru the hose and check valve into the crank case the check valve is bad. Most likely all (6) need replacing. Good luck.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

Hey oldcrankbait....welcome to iboats....<br /><br />Just to add a little to the already good info ya' got.....we need to make sure the reeds are OK. You posted some spitting of gas from the carbs. Here's what to do....<br /><br />Pull the air silencer cover off and start the engine. Run it as low an idle as you can. Look to the side of the carbs and see if you can really see any blowback from the carbs. You can also take a dollar bill and dangle it in front of the carbs. If the bill wants to blow out, you probably got some reed damage behind the carb. If the bill sucks in on all carbs, should be ok. Reed damage will cause the effects you described in your original post.<br /><br />Keep us posted....thanks.

 

[oldcrankbait]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

Thanks guys for all of the good advice. I will be able to take a look at it this weekend and will let you know what I find out. Any advice on where to buy the carb rebuild kits or the other items mentioned in the posts for reasonable prices? Thanks again. Looks like I will need to get a good repair manual. I am a novice at boat motor repair but when given the information can handle it, any recommendations on boat motor repair manuals and where to buy them? Thanks.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

hello<br /> the runs better when tilted up tells me the fuel bowls have to much fuel in them. some spit back is normal.<br /> if its a bad reed odds are it wont run well at speed. if the carbs have the black plastic minlon fuel bowl I would guess they are warped.<br /> its a classic sign. the higher you tilt it the better it runs.<br /> good luck and check all the above as well. and while you have the carbs off look closely at the reeds as well.

 

[oldcrankbait]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

R. Johnson, when you talk about decarbing the engine, what is involved? It this where you put and additive in your fuel to clean the carbon build up out of the engine? What brand do you recommend and where can I purchase it? <br /><br />Thanks.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

The product is OMC engine tuner, any dealer should have it. With the airbox cover off, you spray it direct into the carbs, and let the engine soak. The idea is to clean, and free the rings.

 

[oldcrankbait]

Re: 1985 Evinrude 150 VRO idle problems

Just wanted to update you on what I found. Decarbed the engine, cleaned the carbs, and replaced bad reed valves and engine runs fine.<br />THANKS for your help, you guys know what you're talking about.